Despite certain dissenting views,1 it appears that λελουμένος most likely has reference to baptism (and Jesus’ death). Several additional pieces of evidence tend to corroborate this decision. One of the reasons for this identification is to be gleaned from the effects of the bathing. Jesus says, ‘The one who has bathed (λελουμένος) … is wholly clean’. In early Christian literature no rite signifies complete cleansing from sin as obviously as does baptism. Certainly, the crucifixion is that event