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)
Peter doesn't just say "repent"; he emphasizes a profound turning of the entire inner self. And the baptism isn't merely a ritual, but a public declaration of allegiance, placing one's entire identity "upon the name of Jesus Christ" as the foundation for receiving forgiveness and the Spirit.
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)
Following a powerful sermon by Peter where the listeners are "cut to the heart" by his message, they cry out in distress, asking what they should do. Peter's response is a direct call to repent from their sins and be publicly identified with Jesus through baptism, offering them the assurance of forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit in return.
Peter’s call to 'repent' wasn't just a suggestion to feel bad. It was a radical call to a complete inner and outer transformation.
A Change of Mind and Life
When Peter says 'repent' (the Greek word metanoeo), he’s not just talking about a fleeting sadness over sin. It's a profound change of mind, a turning around that affects your entire being – your thoughts, your desires, your actions. It’s about recognizing sin for what it truly is: something evil and offensive to God, not just something that brings bad consequences.
True repentance involves:
Baptism isn't just a ritual; it’s a public declaration, a symbolic sealing, and a profound connection to Jesus Christ.
More Than Water
Peter instructs them to be 'baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.' This wasn't just an optional add-on. Baptism here signifies:
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It's a beautiful picture where man’s commitment (repentance and faith) meets God’s promise (forgiveness and the Spirit), sealed in this sacred ordinance.
Receiving the Holy Spirit isn't just about experiencing miracles; it's about God's powerful presence empowering you for faith and life.
God's Indwelling Presence
Peter concludes with a powerful promise: 'you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' This gift signifies:
This isn't just an outward sign; it's the inner reality of God’s active work in and through you.
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 occurs just weeks after Jesus' ascension, immediately following the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Peter's words are a direct response to the crowd's astonishment and their question, 'What must we do?' It's the very inception of the Church, marking the transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to the Spirit-empowered witness of His followers.
c. 30 AD
The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified in Jerusalem, and His followers believe He rose from the dead. This event is the core of the Christian message.
c. 30 AD
The Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends to heaven after appearing to His disciples, promising the coming of the Holy Spirit.
c. 30 AD— this verse
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles in Jerusalem, empowering them to speak in other languages. This marks the beginning of the Church's public ministry.
c. 30 AD
Peter's Sermon on Pentecost
Peter preaches to the gathered crowds about Jesus, His death, and resurrection, calling them to repent.
c. 30 AD
Thousands Converted
Following Peter's sermon, thousands repent, are baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit, forming the first Christian community.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Church Growth in Jerusalem
The newly formed church experiences rapid growth, meeting daily in the temple courts and sharing meals, facing initial opposition but continuing to spread the message.
This passage directly links repentance and forgiveness of sins being preached in Jesus' name, echoing Peter's message here and showing the continuity of Christ's commission.
Matthew 28:19This is the Great Commission, commanding baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, providing the foundational command for the baptism Peter is now explaining and enacting.
Romans 2:4This verse highlights that God's kindness leads people to repentance, showing that the 'pricking of heart' the crowd felt (Acts 2:37) is a divine invitation to the repentance Peter calls for.
Galatians 3:27This passage explains that all who are baptized into Christ have 'clothed yourselves with Christ,' which deeply connects to the idea of being baptized 'in the name of Jesus Christ' as a public declaration of this new identity.
Acts 1:5Jesus promised His disciples would be 'baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now,' directly foreshadowing the gift of the Holy Spirit that Peter assures these new believers they will receive.
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…
Peter doesn't just say "repent"; he emphasizes a profound turning of the entire inner self. And the baptism isn't merely a ritual, but a public declaration of allegiance, placing one's entire identity "upon the name of Jesus Christ" as the foundation for receiving forgiveness and the Spirit.
Following a powerful sermon by Peter where the listeners are "cut to the heart" by his message, they cry out in distress, asking what they should do. Peter's response is a direct call to repent from their sins and be publicly identified with Jesus through baptism, offering them the assurance of forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit in return.
Following a powerful sermon by Peter where the listeners are "cut to the heart" by his message, they cry out in distress, asking what they should do. Peter's response is a direct call to repent from their sins and be publicly identified with Jesus through baptism, offering them the assurance of forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit in return.
"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." — Peter doesn't just say "repent"; he emphasizes a profound turning of the entire inner self. And the baptism isn't merely a ritual, but a public declaration of allegiance, placing one's entire ident…
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Last reviewed October 2026