<P> Although the term `` baptism '' is not today used to describe the Jewish rituals ( in contrast to New Testament times , when the Greek word baptismos did indicate Jewish ablutions or rites of purification ) , the purification rites ( or mikvah -- ritual immersion ) in Jewish law and tradition have some similarity to baptism , and the two have been linked . In the Hebrew Bible and other Jewish texts , immersion in water for ritual purification was established for restoration to a condition of `` ritual purity '' in specific circumstances . For example , Jews who ( according to the Law of Moses ) became ritually defiled by contact with a corpse had to use the mikvah before being allowed to participate in the Temple in Jerusalem . Immersion was not required for converts to Judaism as part of their conversion , although many mistakenly believe otherwise . Immersion in the mikvah represents a change in status in regards to purification , restoration , and qualification for full religious participation in the life of the community , ensuring that the cleansed person will not impose uncleanness on property or its owners . </P>
<P> Although the term `` baptism '' is not today used to describe the Jewish rituals ( in contrast to New Testament times , when the Greek word baptismos did indicate Jewish ablutions or rites of purification ) , the purification rites ( or mikvah -- ritual immersion ) in Jewish law and tradition have some similarity to baptism , and the two have been linked . In the Hebrew Bible and other Jewish texts , immersion in water for ritual purification was established for restoration to a condition of `` ritual purity '' in specific circumstances . For example , Jews who ( according to the Law of Moses ) became ritually defiled by contact with a corpse had to use the mikvah before being allowed to participate in the Temple in Jerusalem . Immersion was not required for converts to Judaism as part of their conversion , although many mistakenly believe otherwise . Immersion in the mikvah represents a change in status in regards to purification , restoration , and qualification for full religious participation in the life of the community , ensuring that the cleansed person will not impose uncleanness on property or its owners . </P>
who was the first person to be baptized in the bible
who was the first person to be baptized in the bible
Jews who ( according to the Law of Moses ) became ritually defiled by contact with a corpse
Jews who ( according to the Law of Moses ) became ritually defiled by contact with a corpse