Acts 2:38
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Acts 2:38 highlights the foundational Christian call to repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, forgiveness of sins, and receiving the Holy Spirit. This key verse communicates essential gospel truths—repentance, salvation through Christ, baptismal obedience, spiritual regeneration, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. As Peter addresses the crowd at Pentecost, he sets forth a transformative pattern for entering into the saving grace and new covenant community inaugurated by Jesus. Relevant keywords: repentance, baptism, forgiveness, Holy Spirit, gospel, salvation, Jesus Christ, Pentecost, new covenant.
Summary
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.
Within the context of Pentecost, Acts 2:38 serves as Peter’s clarion gospel invitation in response to the question: 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?' (Acts 2:37, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A37&version=KJV). Peter commands: 'Repent' (Greek: μετανοέω, metanoeō—meaning a deep change of mind and heart), which has deep roots in the Old Testament prophets’ calls for covenantal return to God (e.g., Joel 2:12-13, https://www.chabad.org/library/biblecdo/aid/16149/showrashi/true). Baptism (βαπτισθῆτε, baptisthēte) 'in the name of Jesus Christ' identifies the new believer with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A3-4&version=KJV), signifying entry into the new covenant community. The phrase 'for the remission of sins' (ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν, aphesis tōn hamartiōn) emphasizes that forgiveness is secured solely through Christ’s atoning work (cf. Hebrews 9:22, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9:22&version=KJV). Receiving 'the gift of the Holy Ghost' echoes Old Testament promise (e.g., Ezekiel 36:26–27, https://www.chabad.org/library/biblecdo/aid/16168/showrashi/true) and fulfills Jesus’ own pledge (John 14:16–17, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14:16-17&version=KJV), marking believers as temples of God’s presence. This verse is pivotal for doctrines of conversion (regeneration), justification, and the inauguration of the church age.
Acts 2:38 calls us to a posture of humility and active trust before God—inviting us to turn from self-reliance and sinful patterns (repentance), publicly commit our lives to Jesus (baptism), and receive the liberating gift of forgiveness. This isn’t simply a ritual checklist; it’s a divine invitation to step into intimacy with God, by His Spirit, every day. Maybe you’re carrying regret, longing for renewal, or simply feeling distant from God. Through Christ, you are offered not just pardon, but the very presence of God’s Spirit—who empowers, comforts, and transforms. Today, find courage to turn afresh to Jesus, grateful for grace, expectant for the Spirit’s work, and knowing that God welcomes you fully and forever.