Reference · Teaching 20
Confirmation — Cheat Sheet
Two views of the Spirit and baptism
| Question | Catholic response |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A sacrament that completes baptism with anointing (chrism) and laying on of hands |
| Is it in Scripture? | Acts 8:14-17 and 19:1-6 show hands laid on after baptism; Hebrews 6:2; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 |
| Why a bishop? | The apostles laid on hands in Acts 8; a priest may be delegated, as in OCIA |
| Why does the East confirm infants? | The timing and minister are discipline, not doctrine |
Key verses
| Verse | Used for |
|---|---|
| Ephesians 1:13 | Protestant: sealed with the Spirit when you believe. |
| Acts 8:14-17; Acts 19:1-6 | Catholic: laying on of hands after baptism. |
| Hebrews 6:2; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 | Catholic: laying on of hands, anointing and sealing. |
The one-line argument to remember
Start from agreement: "We agree the Spirit is at work in baptism. I'm asking whether the New Testament also describes the apostles laying hands on the baptized, and Acts 8 and 19 seem to."
Nuance to hold onto
- Scripture gives no ritual script. The Church developed the details.
- The Eastern churches confirm right after baptism, so the timing is discipline.
- Read the early sources yourself before citing them.