Acts 2:38 kjv
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.
Acts 2:38 nkjv
Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 niv
Peter replied, "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.
Acts 2:38 esv
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.
Acts 2:38 nlt
Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2 38 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezek 18:30-32 | Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions... cast away all the transgressions... and make for yourselves a new heart... why will you die...? | Call to individual repentance and turning. |
| Joel 2:12-13 | “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious... | Repentance from the heart, promise of grace. |
| Matt 3:2 | Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. | John the Baptist's call to repentance. |
| Lk 24:47 | ...that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations... | Gospel message includes repentance. |
| Acts 3:19 | Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord... | Link between repentance and forgiveness. |
| Rom 6:3-4 | Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death... | Baptism as identification with Christ's death. |
| Gal 3:27 | For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. | Baptism as putting on Christ. |
| Col 2:12 | ...having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. | Baptism as burial and resurrection with Christ. |
| 1 Pet 3:21 | Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ... | Baptism as a spiritual appeal and cleansing. |
| Matt 28:19 | Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... | Command to baptize believers universally. |
| Eph 1:7 | In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace... | Source of forgiveness is Christ's blood. |
| Col 1:14 | In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. | Forgiveness through Christ's redemption. |
| Heb 9:22 | Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. | Forgiveness requires blood sacrifice. |
| Acts 10:43 | To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. | Forgiveness through belief in Jesus' name. |
| Acts 13:38-39 | Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything... | Proclamation of forgiveness in Jesus. |
| Joel 2:28-29 | “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh... Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” | Prophecy of the Spirit's outpouring. |
| Isa 44:3 | For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. | Prophecy of Spirit for descendants. |
| Ezek 36:26-27 | I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you... I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes... | Spirit brings new heart and obedience. |
| Jn 7:37-39 | ...If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' Now this he said about the Spirit... | Jesus' promise of the indwelling Spirit. |
| Acts 1:4-5 | ...they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the Promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit...” | Promise of Holy Spirit baptism. |
| Acts 5:32 | And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. | Holy Spirit given to the obedient. |
| Titus 3:5-6 | ...he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly... | Salvation includes Spirit's renewal. |
| 1 Cor 12:13 | For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. | Spirit baptism unites believers. |
| Jn 14:16-17 | And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth... He dwells with you and will be in you. | Jesus promises the Spirit as Helper. |
| Acts 8:15-17 | ...they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. | Spirit received after baptism. |
| Acts 19:1-6 | ...“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They said, “No... We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”... “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.”... when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them... | Distinction between John's baptism and Spirit. |
Acts 2 verses
Acts 2 38 Meaning
Acts 2:38 encapsulates Peter's definitive answer to those convicted by his Pentecost sermon. It instructs a two-fold command of "Repent and be baptized" which leads to two promised outcomes: the "forgiveness of your sins" and the reception of "the gift of the Holy Spirit." This statement links a change of mind and direction with a public act of identification, resulting in cleansing from sin and empowerment by God's Spirit, all grounded in the authority and identity of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2 38 Context
Acts 2:38 is spoken by the Apostle Peter to a diverse crowd of devout Jews who had gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. This assembly, recently shaken by the sound of a rushing wind and witnessing the apostles speaking in various languages, was "cut to the heart" by Peter's sermon. Peter had just powerfully declared that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was truly the Messiah and had been resurrected by God and exalted to God's right hand. He convicted them of their sin in rejecting and killing the Son of God. The people's desperate plea, "Brothers, what shall we do?" directly led to Peter's instructions in verse 38. This immediate context highlights the initial gospel proclamation, the conviction of sin, and the prescribed immediate steps for a right relationship with God in light of Christ's resurrection and ascension. Historically, this event marks the birth of the Christian church, where Jewish prophecies regarding the Messiah and the pouring out of God's Spirit find their climactic fulfillment.
Acts 2 38 Word analysis
- Repent (μετανοήσατε - metanoēsate): From metanoia, meaning "change of mind" or "a change in direction/purpose." This signifies not merely regret or sorrow for past actions, but a complete turn away from sin and towards God. It's a fundamental reorientation of one's will, involving a transformation in thought, feeling, and action concerning sin, righteousness, and God.
- and be baptized (βαπτισθήτω - baptisthētō): From baptizo, meaning "to immerse, submerge." This refers to water baptism. It is not an option but a direct command given in conjunction with repentance. In the historical and cultural context, ceremonial washings (mikvah) were common in Judaism, symbolizing ritual purification. However, Christian baptism marks a radical new identification with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection (Rom 6:3-4; Col 2:12), signifying entry into the New Covenant community. It is a public declaration of an inward faith and spiritual change.
- every one of you: Emphasizes the personal and individual nature of the call. While Peter addresses a crowd, the response must be a personal commitment and act of obedience for each person. It transcends group identity, inviting individual decision.
- in the name of Jesus Christ (ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ - epi tō onomati Iēsou Christou): This phrase holds profound significance. "In the name of" here indicates "by the authority of," "on the basis of," "with reference to," or "identifying with" Jesus Christ. It's not a magical incantation but an acknowledgment of Jesus' supreme Lordship and authority. It signifies that the baptism is an act of submission to His reign, performed because of His command, and connecting the individual to Him as Savior and Lord. It distinguishes Christian baptism from other forms.
- for the forgiveness (εἰς ἄφεσιν - eis aphesin): The Greek preposition eis here expresses purpose or result. It means "unto," "with a view to," or "resulting in" forgiveness. This indicates that repentance and baptism are the divinely appointed acts through which individuals receive or enter into the state of sin's forgiveness. Forgiveness itself is solely grounded in the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross; repentance and baptism are the obedient responses by which one appropriates that forgiveness personally.
- of your sins: Points directly to the burden of guilt and alienation from God caused by personal transgressions. The promise directly addresses this fundamental human need.
- And you will receive: Indicates a definite promise and outcome. This is God's assured provision subsequent to human obedience.
- the gift (τὴν δωρεάν - tēn dōrean): Emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is a gracious, unmerited present from God, not something earned or merited.
- of the Holy Spirit: Refers to the Third Person of the Trinity. This reception signifies the indwelling presence, empowerment, sealing, and guiding influence of God within the believer, marking the new birth and integration into the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13; Eph 1:13-14). It is the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-29) and Jesus' promise (Acts 1:8; Jn 14:16).
Acts 2 38 Bonus section
The pattern in Acts 2:38, combining repentance, water baptism, forgiveness of sins, and the reception of the Holy Spirit, forms a core response to the Gospel in the early church. While the exact order of receiving the Spirit might vary in other Acts accounts (e.g., Samaritans in Acts 8:14-17 receiving Spirit after baptism by laying on of hands; Cornelius in Acts 10:44-48 receiving Spirit before water baptism), the promise itself is consistently tied to faith and obedience. Acts 2:39 further broadens this promise, stating it "is for you and for your children and for all who are far off—everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself," emphasizing its universal and enduring nature through all generations called by God. This verse challenges any belief that humanity can secure forgiveness or God's Spirit through human merit or effort, emphasizing them as gifts received through the prescribed means of humble submission and obedient faith in Christ.
Acts 2 38 Commentary
Acts 2:38 is a foundational declaration of the early church's evangelistic message. Peter's instruction outlines the required response from those desiring salvation and relationship with God. The call to "repent" highlights the essential change of heart—a turning from sin and towards God's righteous standard as revealed in Jesus Christ. This is an inward, volitional act. Hand in hand with repentance, Peter commands to "be baptized." This external act of water immersion signifies the internal spiritual reality of death to sin and new life in Christ. It is a public confession of faith and identification with Jesus' sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection, enacted by His authority ("in the name of Jesus Christ").
The purpose of these actions is clear: "for the forgiveness of your sins." Forgiveness is entirely God's provision through Christ's atoning work, and repentance and baptism are the obedient responses through which one embraces and publicly receives that divine cleansing. This forgiveness reconciles individuals to God. Following this, the promise of receiving "the gift of the Holy Spirit" indicates the believer's subsequent divine empowerment and indwelling. The Spirit confirms their new status, enables them for Christian living, and integrates them into the community of believers. Acts 2:38, therefore, presents a concise and cohesive pathway into the new covenant relationship with God: inward repentance leading to outward obedient identification (baptism), culminating in both reconciliation (forgiveness) and divine enablement (Holy Spirit). It reveals that faith is not merely intellectual assent but requires an obedient, responsive action to God's gracious call.