What is the meaning of Acts 2:38? Peter replied Peter’s words carry the authority of a Spirit-filled eyewitness of the risen Lord (Acts 2:14; Acts 10:39-41). What follows is not suggestion but divinely inspired instruction, echoing Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and His promise of power from on high (Luke 24:49). Repent To repent is to turn—mind, heart, and will—from sin to God (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19). • It involves sorrow for sin (2 Corinthians 7:10) and a decisive break with the old way of life (Ephesians 4:22-24). • Repentance prepares the heart for God’s cleansing, making room for His Spirit (Isaiah 55:7). and be baptized Baptism is the public, obedient response to inward repentance (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4). • It portrays burial with Christ and rising to new life (Colossians 2:12). • While the water itself does not save (1 Peter 3:21), refusing baptism would contradict genuine faith (Acts 22:16). every one of you No one is exempt. The call is universal and personal (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:4). • Salvation is never inherited; each soul must answer individually (Ezekiel 18:20). • Peter levels the ground: the same remedy applies to all (Romans 3:22-23). in the name of Jesus Christ The name signifies His authority and His finished work (Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17). • Baptism “in His name” confesses that Jesus alone saves (John 14:6). • It aligns the believer openly with Christ’s death, resurrection, and lordship (Galatians 3:27). for the forgiveness of your sins God’s pardon is granted on the basis of Christ’s shed blood (Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:22). • Repentance and baptism express faith, but forgiveness rests on what Jesus accomplished at the cross (1 Peter 2:24). • The promise echoes Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit The Spirit is not earned; He is God’s gracious gift to every true believer (John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9). • He seals us for salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14), empowers witness (Acts 1:8), and produces Christlike fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). • Peter ties reception of the Spirit to repentance-faith, showing that Pentecost’s blessing is meant for all who obey the gospel (Acts 5:32). summary Acts 2:38 lays out God’s clear pathway into the new-covenant life: turn from sin, declare allegiance to Jesus through baptism, and experience full forgiveness and the indwelling Spirit. Peter’s call is timeless—what saved the first listeners saves us today, anchoring our hope in Christ’s finished work and empowering us to live for Him. |
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