De baptismo

Tertullian's De baptismo is an early Christian treatise that discusses the sacrament of baptism. It explores the theological significance of baptism, its administration, and the practice of infant baptism. Tertullian, an important early Christian theologian, wrote this work around the turn of the 3rd century CE.1

The work addresses baptism as a sacrament of admission to Christianity, involving water and the Trinitarian invocation. It touches upon the historical context of baptism, including its roots in Jewish purification rituals and its adoption by John the Baptist and Jesus. Tertullian's writings also indicate that by the 2nd century, infant baptism was a common practice, though he himself expressed objections to it. This treatise is considered the first Christian book on baptism.2341