So why baptism?

So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”  So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. (Acts 4:34-38)

So why baptism?

Baptism was important back then! No, it did not save anyone from sin nor does It today. Jesus' atoning sacrifice on the cross alone does that! Yet, the Ethiopian demanded it. Peter, Paul and even Jesus instructed believers to make disciples...repenting of sin and being baptized in obedience to the Lord as a sign or public commitment to a new life in Christ. (Acts 2:38, Acts 10:48, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21, Colossians 2:12, Galatians 3:27, Mark 16:16, Luke 3:21-22, Matthew 28:19-20)

Why do many today not emphasize baptism in regards to fellowship within the Body? I realize, in rare cases, one cannot be baptized. However, it is an act of obedience. It is a witness to a sinful world that "I belong to Christ!"

If it was important to Jesus and the Apostles, it is important to me!