Why did the apostles baptize in Jesus' name?

The recorded pattern

Jews, Samaritans, Gentiles, and disciples of John were directed into baptism connected explicitly with the name of Jesus.

The theological meaning

Baptism is into Christ, into his death, and into the name in which salvation is found.

What baptismal name is actually recorded in Acts?

Every explicit baptismal naming recorded after the resurrection points to Jesus Christ or the Lord Jesus. Acts 2:38 addresses Jews at Pentecost, Acts 8:16 describes Samaritans, Acts 10:48 follows the Gentile outpouring, and Acts 19:5 records Paul's ministry at Ephesus. Different audiences receive the same apostolic name.

What does “in the name of Jesus” mean?

A biblical name carries identity and authority. Baptism in Jesus' name is therefore not a magical phrase detached from faith. It identifies the believer with Jesus Christ, invokes the saving name proclaimed by the apostles, and places the baptism under his lordship and saving work.

Does “in the name of Jesus” mean only by Jesus' authority?

Authority is part of the phrase, but the Acts passages do not make authority a reason to remove Jesus' name from baptism. The same inspired record repeatedly connects the baptism itself with the name of Jesus Christ or the Lord Jesus across Jews, Samaritans, Gentiles, and disciples at Ephesus. The Apostolic reading therefore keeps both truths together: baptism is performed under Jesus' authority and in the saving name the apostles actually used.

Acts 22:16 strengthens that connection by joining baptism with calling on the name of the Lord. The name is not treated as an empty verbal formula, but neither is it reduced to an unspoken idea of authority. Faith, invocation, identification with Christ, and obedience belong together in the apostolic pattern.

Acts 22:16Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Baptism identifies the believer with Christ's death and burial

Romans 6 describes believers as baptized into Jesus Christ and into his death, then buried with him by baptism. Colossians 2:12 likewise joins burial with Christ, resurrection, and faith in the operation of God. The apostolic name and the theological meaning point in the same direction: baptism is centered in Jesus Christ.

Receiving the Holy Ghost did not cancel water baptism

Acts 10 is especially important because the Gentiles received the Holy Ghost before water baptism. Peter did not conclude that water was unnecessary. He commanded them to be baptized. The order changed in that event, but the command to baptize remained.