DAILY TEXT, Wednesday, January 21, 2026. What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized (Acts 22:16).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2026

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized (Acts 22:16).

Do you love Jehovah, who has given you all the good things you enjoy, including life itself? Do you want to show your love for him? The best way to do so is by dedicating your life to him and getting baptized. When you take these steps, you will become part of Jehovah’s family. You will belong to him, and so your Father and friend will guide and care for you. (Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 43:1, 2) Furthermore, through dedication and baptism, you will have the hope of living forever. (1 Peter 3:21)

Now, perhaps something is holding you back from taking the step of getting baptized. Don't worry; you are not the first in that situation. Millions before you have had to make changes in their conduct and thinking in order to get baptized, and now they are serving Jehovah with joy and enthusiasm. w25.03 2 pars. 1, 2

What obstacles might some Samaritans have faced in order to be baptized?

In Jesus’ day, the Samaritans were members of a religious group who lived in the area around ancient Shechem and Samaria in northern Judea. To be baptized, they needed to become more familiar with God’s Word, since they believed that only the first five books of the Bible—Genesis through Deuteronomy—and possibly the book of Joshua, came from God. However, they were aware of God’s promise found in Deuteronomy 18:18–19, and therefore they did expect the coming of the Messiah (John 4:25). To be baptized, they had to accept that Jesus was the promised Messiah. And “many Samaritans” did (John 4:39). Others may have had to overcome deep-seated prejudices against Jews (Luke 9:52–54).

According to Acts 8:5, 6, 14, what did some Samaritans do when Philip preached to them?

What helped the Samaritans to get baptized? When Philip the evangelist preached to them “about the Christ,” some accepted “the word of God” (read Acts 8:5, 6, 14). Although Philip was Jewish, the Samaritans listened to him. Perhaps they recalled verses that say God is not partial (Deut. 10:17-19). Whatever the reason, they “paid close attention to what Philip said” about the Christ. They recognized that Philip had been sent by God, for he also performed many miracles, such as healing the sick and casting out demons (Acts 8:7).

What lessons do you learn from the Samaritans?

In the case of those Samaritans, prejudice or a lack of knowledge could have hindered their progress. But they did not allow that to happen. Once they were convinced that Philip was teaching them the truth, they were baptized immediately. The Bible explains: “When Philip declared to them the good news of the Kingdom of God and of the name of Jesus Christ, they believed him and both men and women were baptized.” (Acts 8:12) What about you? Are you convinced that God’s Word is the truth? And are you certain that Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to show unprejudiced love to one another—the kind of love that Jesus said his true disciples would have? (John 13:35) Then do not delay your baptism. Have no doubt that Jehovah will bless you.

All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2024 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania JW.ORG.