To the average Christian of today, Baptism often seems like merely a rite of initiation, an introduction into the Church. Paul, in his time, had a very clear idea of what Baptism should mean. In this encounter with the disciples at Ephesus, Paul had to explain to them the real significance of a proper baptism. While being baptized by John was meritorious and had a unique moral character to it, it was only a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. It was for moral purity. John himself made sure to point out that it was provisional and should be replaced by baptism with the Holy Spirit. To be baptised with the Holy Spirit required a belief in the Sonship of Jesus, and through this baptism, the believer becomes a child of God who has abandoned his former life. The gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism is the difference between life before and after baptism. It inaugurates a whole new world for the baptised.

The Gospel Reading of today tells of a belief that Jesus himself preached. In verses 28 and before, He tells His disciples what they had to believe: that He came from the Father in the Incarnation, and that He is now going back to the Father in the Resurrection and Ascension. The disciples assume that this is simple and easy to believe but they will abandon Him. Despite their desertion he tells of himself as "I have conquered the world," (v33). To hear this is heartening to them, for the peace He promises them is theirs.