What Doth Hinder Me?
  The Ethiopians question, "What doth hinder me to be baptized?" indicates that there could possibly be something that would make it improper for him to be baptized. There was the possibility that he was not a fit candidate for baptism. Something does have to be understood before baptism is effective.

  Did he believe? To be baptized without faith is only to get wet. Obedience to the divinely given command to be baptized for the remission of sins comes only when one believes in Christ as the Son of God..

  We also see that baptism follows making the confession of one's faith regarding Christ (Acts 8: 37).

  While some erroneously contend it does not matter whether you understand the purpose of baptism or not, it does matter. In Acts 19 some had been baptized by John's baptism when it was no long valid. Did it matter? Paul thought it did and baptized them again, this time in the name of Christ.