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Be Baptized: Acts 2:38

Be Baptized

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."

Back Story

Acts 2 takes place on the Day of Pentecost, about fifty days after Jesus' resurrection and ten days after His ascension into heaven. Before returning to the Father, Jesus told His disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4–8).

About 120 believers were gathered together when the Holy Spirit came upon them. There was the sound of a mighty rushing wind, and what appeared to be tongues of fire rested on each believer. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, enabling Jews from many nations to hear the message of God in their own language (Acts 2:1–13).

Some in the crowd were amazed, while others mocked the disciples and accused them of being drunk.

Peter stood before the crowd and explained that what they were witnessing was the fulfillment of the prophecy given by the prophet Joel (Acts 2:14–21). He then preached the first gospel sermon after Jesus' resurrection, declaring that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah, that He had been crucified, and that God had raised Him from the dead (Acts 2:22–36).

When the people realized they had rejected and crucified the Messiah, they were deeply convicted.

"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?" 
Acts 2:37 (KJV)

Acts 2:38 is Peter's answer to that question.

What Acts 2:38 Means

Peter called the people to respond to the gospel in several ways.

Repent

Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God with a changed heart and mind.

Be Baptized

Peter instructed those who believed to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ as an act of obedience and identification with Christ.

Remission of Sins

"Remission" means forgiveness or the removal of sins through God's grace.

Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost

Peter promised that those who responded would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, just as God had promised.

Why This Verse Matters

Acts 2:38 marks the beginning of the New Testament church after Jesus' resurrection and ascension. About 3,000 people accepted Peter's message, were baptized, and were added to the church that day (Acts 2:41).

This passage demonstrates the powerful effect of the gospel: people heard God's Word, believed it, responded in repentance, and publicly identified themselves with Christ.

Life Application

Acts 2:38 reminds believers to:

  • Respond to God's Word with sincere repentance.
  • Follow Christ in obedience.
  • Receive God's forgiveness through faith in Christ.
  • Depend on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.
  • Share the gospel so others can respond to Jesus.

Key Lesson

When people heard the gospel, they asked, "What shall we do?" Peter called them to respond with repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38 highlights the importance of responding to the message of Christ with genuine faith and obedience, as the New Testament church began.

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