Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's striking here is that Peter doesn't just command repentance and baptism; he ties them directly to receiving the "gift of the Holy Spirit." This isn't just about wiping the slate clean, but about receiving a divine empowerment that flows from that cleansing. It suggests that the Spirit isn't merely an afterthought, but the promised, tangible result of embracing Jesus.
Peter has just delivered a powerful sermon about Jesus, and the crowd is deeply convicted, asking, "Brothers, what should we do?" This verse is Peter's direct answer, outlining the immediate steps for those who are now ready to turn to God following the Holy Spirit's work in their hearts. He urges them to repent and be baptized, promising forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit as the tangible results of their commitment.
When Peter hears the crowd crying out, 'What shall we do?', he doesn't offer easy answers. Instead, he calls them to something deeper than mere regret.
Peter's call to 'Repent' is profound. It's not just about feeling bad for what you've done, but a complete turning around – a change of mind and direction.
A Change of Heart and Mind
Peter doesn't just tell them to change internally; he directs them to an outward act. What's the significance of baptism in this pivotal moment?
Baptism here is presented as a public declaration and a seal of God's promise.
More Than a Symbol
Understand the original words
metanoeō · Greek Verb
A fundamental change of mind, heart, and direction regarding sin and God; it is the turning away from self and sin toward faith in Jesus Christ.
baptizō · Greek Verb
An outward, public rite symbolizing identification with Christ, cleansing from sin, and entry into the body of believers. It is an act of obedience to the command of the risen Lord.
aphesis · Greek Noun
The legal and spiritual removal of the guilt, penalty, and power of sin through the sacrifice of Christ, resulting in reconciliation with God.
pneuma hagion · Greek Noun phrase
The third person of the Trinity, given to believers as a mark of ownership, an agent of sanctification, and a deposit guaranteeing their inheritance in God's kingdom.
This pivotal moment in Acts 2 unfolds directly after the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Peter's message isn't just a theological lesson; it's a direct response to the crowd's stunned reaction and their urgent question: 'What shall we do?' The command to 'repent and be baptized' is the immediate, practical step for those experiencing the Spirit's power and seeking forgiveness in the wake of Jesus' resurrection.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Pentecost Event in Jerusalem
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in other tongues. This event marks the birth of the Christian Church.
c. 30 AD
Peter's Sermon on Pentecost
Peter preaches to the assembled crowd, explaining the events of Pentecost and calling them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
c. 30 AD
Thousands Converted
Following Peter's sermon, about three thousand people repent and are baptized, joining the early Christian community.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The early church experiences rapid growth but also faces increasing opposition and persecution from Jewish religious authorities.
This passage directly echoes Peter's message, stating that repentance and forgiveness of sins are to be proclaimed in Jesus' name, highlighting the core message of Acts 2:38.
Matthew 3:2John the Baptist's call to repentance here sets the stage for the same command given by Peter, showing that repentance is a foundational step for entering God's kingdom.
Romans 6:3-4This passage explains the spiritual significance of baptism, linking it to dying with Christ and being raised to new life, which complements the outward act described in Acts 2:38.
Acts 1:5Jesus' promise of baptism with the Holy Spirit directly foreshadows the promise Peter makes in Acts 2:38, connecting the event to Jesus' own words and plan.
Galatians 3:27This verse states that those baptized into Christ have 'put on Christ,' reinforcing the idea that baptism in Jesus' name is a public identification with Him and His work of salvation.
vincentActs 2:38: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
RepentSee on Matthew 3:2.In the name (ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι)Lit., upon the name. See on Matthew 28:19.RemissionSee on Luke 3:3; and James 5:15.
calvinActs 2:37-39: "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
- And when they heard these things, they were pricked in heart, and said unto Peter and to the other apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38. Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39. For the…
What's striking here is that Peter doesn't just command repentance and baptism; he ties them directly to receiving the "gift of the Holy Spirit." This isn't just about wiping the slate clean, but about receiving a divine empowerment that flows from that cleansing. It suggests that the Spirit isn't merely an afterthought, but the promised, tangible result of embracing Jesus.
Peter has just delivered a powerful sermon about Jesus, and the crowd is deeply convicted, asking, "Brothers, what should we do?" This verse is Peter's direct answer, outlining the immediate steps for those who are now ready to turn to God following the Holy Spirit's work in their hearts. He urges them to repent and be baptized, promising forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit as the tangible results of their commitment.
Peter has just delivered a powerful sermon about Jesus, and the crowd is deeply convicted, asking, "Brothers, what should we do?" This verse is Peter's direct answer, outlining the immediate steps for those who are now ready to turn to God following the Holy Spirit's work in their hearts. He urges them to repent and be baptized, promising forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit as the tangible results of their commitment.
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After repentance and baptism, Peter promises a 'gift.' What is this gift, and how does it relate to the initial, dramatic outpouring of the Spirit they witnessed?
The 'gift of the Holy Spirit' promised here encompasses both the immediate, visible signs and the ongoing, internal work of God's Spirit.
Experiencing God's Presence
c. 35 AD
Stephen's Martyrdom
Stephen, one of the first deacons, is martyred, leading to a significant scattering of believers from Jerusalem.
c. 35-40 AD
Philip's Ministry in Samaria
Philip, another deacon, preaches the gospel in Samaria, leading to many conversions and the reception of the Holy Spirit.
c. 40-45 AD
Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry
Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor, is converted and becomes the Apostle Paul, beginning his mission to the Gentiles.
"And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." — What's striking here is that Peter doesn't just command repentance and baptism; he ties them directly to receiving the "gift of the Holy Spirit." This isn't just about wiping the slate clean, but abo…
