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◄ Acts 2:38 ►
New International Version ( 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.
New Living Translation (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.
English Standard Version (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.
Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
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.
Berean Literal Bible (BLB)
And Peter says 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.
King James Version (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.
New King James Version (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.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
NASB 1995
Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
NASB 1977
And Peter said to them, “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Legacy Standard Bible (LSB)
And Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Amplified Bible (Amp B)
And Peter said to them, “Repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways, accept and follow Jesus as the Messiah] and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
American Standard Version (ASV)
And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Peter said to them, "Turn to God 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 Revised Version (ERV)
And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (GWT)
Peter answered them, "All of you must turn to God and change the way you think and act, and each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift.
Good News Translation (GNT)
Peter said to them, "Each one of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven; and you will receive God's gift, the Holy Spirit.
International Standard Version (ISV)
Peter answered them, "Every one of you must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift.
NET Bible
Peter said to them, "Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
New Heart English Bible
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.
Webster's Bible Translation
Then Peter said to 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.
Weymouth New Testament
"Repent," replied Peter, "and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, with a view to the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible (MSB)
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
World English Bible (WEB)
Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version (LSV)
And Peter said to them, “Convert, and each of you be immersed on the Name of Jesus Christ, for forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,
Berean Literal Bible ( BLB )
And Peter says 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.
Young's Literal Translation
and Peter said unto them, 'Reform, and be baptized each of you on the name of Jesus Christ, to remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,
Smith's Literal Translation
And Peter said to them, Repent, and be each of you immersed in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible (DRB)
But Peter said to them: Do penance, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, Peter said to them: “Do penance; and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins. And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
New American Bible
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.
New Revised Standard Version
Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible (LB)
Then Simon said to them, Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of the LORD Jesus for the remission of sins, so that you may receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Shimeon said to them, “Return to God and be immersed everyone of you, in the name of THE LORD JEHOVAH Yeshua, for release from sin, so that you may receive the gift of The Spirit of Holiness.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament ( ANT )
And Peter said to them: Repent, and be immersed, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, in order to the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Godbey New Testament
And Peter said to them, Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Haweis New Testament
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptised every one of you into the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Mace New Testament
Peter replied, 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.
Weymouth New Testament
"Repent," replied Peter, "and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, with a view to the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Worrell New Testament
And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be immersed each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, unto remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit;
Worsley New Testament
And Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Spirit:
Context
Three Thousand Believe
³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸ 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. ³⁹ This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself." ~ Berean Standard Bible
Cross References
Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
John 3:5
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
Romans 6:3-4
Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? / We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.
Galatians 3:27
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Colossians 2:12
And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 3:21
And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Luke 24:47
and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.
Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 10:47-48
“Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!” / So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.
Acts 19:4-5
Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” / On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. / For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.
1 Corinthians 6:11
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Ephesians 4:5
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
Treasury of Scripture
Then Peter said to them, ¹ Repent , and be ² baptized every one of you ³ in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ⁴ you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
¹ Repent.
Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Acts 17:30
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Acts 20:21
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
² be.
Acts 8:36-38
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? …
Acts 16:15,31-34
And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us…
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
³ in.
Acts 8:12,16
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women…
Acts 10:48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 19:4,5
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus…
and ye.
Acts 2:16-18
But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; …
Acts 8:15-17
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: …
Acts 10:44,45
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word…
Acts 2
¹ The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, and speaking various languages,
¹² are admired by some, and derided by others;
¹⁴ whom Peter disproves;
³⁷ he baptizes a great number who were converted;
⁴¹ who afterwards devoutly and charitably converse together;
⁴³ the apostles working many miracles,
⁴⁶ and God daily increasing his church.
Peter replied
Peter, one of the twelve apostles and a leading figure in the early church, speaks with authority. His response is to a crowd gathered during Pentecost, a Jewish festival. This moment follows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which fulfills Jesus' promise in Acts 1:8. Peter's role as a spokesperson highlights his leadership and the fulfillment of Jesus' words in Matthew 16:18-19.
Repent
Repentance is a call to turn away from sin and change one's mind and heart towards God. It is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, seen in the messages of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2) and Jesus (Mark 1:15). Repentance is foundational for entering the Kingdom of God and is a prerequisite for receiving forgiveness and salvation.
and be baptized
Water Baptism by is an outward expression of an inward change, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4). It was practiced by John the Baptist and commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). Baptism serves as a public declaration of faith and commitment to follow Christ.
every one of you
This phrase emphasizes the universality of the call to repentance and baptism. It is inclusive, extending the invitation to all individuals, regardless of their background or status. This aligns with the message of the Gospel being for all nations (Matthew 28:19) and the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14).
in the name of Jesus Christ
Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ signifies allegiance to Him and acknowledgment of His authority. It reflects the early church's understanding of Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (Isaiah 53, Daniel 9:25-26). The name of Jesus carries power and is central to salvation (Acts 4:12).
for the forgiveness of your sins
Forgiveness is a core aspect of the Gospel, made possible through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:7). It restores the broken relationship between humanity and God, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Forgiveness is both a legal and relational act, removing the penalty of sin and reconciling believers to God.
and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is promised to all believers as a gift, marking the new era of the church. This gift empowers, guides, and sanctifies Christians (John 14:16-17, Galatians 5:22-23). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Joel 2:28-29, and signifies the believer's adoption into God's family (Romans 8:15-16).
Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
One of Jesus' twelve apostles, Peter is the speaker in this verse. He is addressing the crowd on the day of Pentecost, following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
2. The Crowd
The audience consists of Jews from various nations who were in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. They were witnesses to the miraculous events of the day and were seeking understanding.
3. Pentecost
A Jewish feast occurring fifty days after Passover. It is significant in the Christian tradition as the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles, marking the birth of the Church.
4. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place. It was the center of Jewish worship and a significant location for early Christian events.
5. The Holy Spirit
This is given to believers as a gift, empowering them for service and sanctification.
Teaching Points
•Repentance as a Turning Point
Repentance involves a change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and towards God. It is the first step in responding to the Gospel.
•Baptism as an Act of Obedience
Baptism is a public declaration of faith and obedience to Christ's command. It symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
•Forgiveness of Sins
Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, believers receive forgiveness. This is a foundational promise of the Gospel.
•Receiving the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a gift to all believers, empowering them for Christian living and service. This indwelling presence is a mark of the New Covenant.
•The Universality of the Gospel
Peter's message was for "every one of you," highlighting the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Salvation is available to all who believe.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(Verse 38) Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.--The work of the Apostles is, in one sense, a continuation, in another sense, a development, of that of the Baptist. There is the same indispensable condition of "repentance"--i.e. a change of heart and will--the same outward rite as the symbol of purification, the same promise of forgiveness which that change involves. But the baptism is now, as it had not been before, in the name of Jesus Christ, and it is connected more directly with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The question presents itself, Why is the baptism here, and elsewhere in the Acts (Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5), "in the name of Jesus Christ," while in Matthew 28:19, the Apostles are commanded to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Various explanations have been given. It has been said that baptism in the Name of any one of the Persons of the Trinity, involves the Name of the other Two. It has even been assumed that St. Luke meant the fuller formula when he used the shorter one. But a more satisfactory solution is, perhaps, found in seeing in the words of Matthew 28:19 (see Note there) the formula for the baptism of those who, as Gentiles. had been "without God in the world, not knowing the Father;" while for converts from Judaism, or those who had before been proselytes to Judaism, it was enough that there should be the distinctive profession of their faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, added on to their previous belief in the Father and the Holy Spirit. In proportion as the main work of the Church of Christ lay among the Gentiles, it was natural that the fuller form should become dominant, and finally be used exclusively. It is interesting here, also, to compare the speech of St. Peter with the stress laid on baptism in his Epistle (1Peter 3:21, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,).
Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.--The word for "gift" (dorea) is generic, and differs from the more specific "gift" (charisma) of 1Corinthians 12:4; 1Corinthians 12:9; 1Corinthians 12:28. The Apostle does not necessarily promise startling and marvellous powers, but in some way they should all feel that a new Spirit was working in them, and that that Spirit was from God.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
2:37-41 From the first delivery of that Divine message, it appeared that there was Divine power going with it; and thousands were brought to the obe, and partake of the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit. To separate from wicked people, is the only way to save ourselves from them. Those who repent of their sins, and give up themselves to Jesus Christ, must prove their sincerity by breaking off from the wicked. We must save ourselves from them; which denotes avoiding them with dread and holy fear. By God's grace three thousand persons accepted the gospel invitation. There can be no doubt that the gift of the Holy Ghost, which they all received, and from which no true believer has ever been shut out, was that Spirit of adoption, that converting, guiding, sanctifying grace, which is bestowed upon all the members of the family of our heavenly Father. Repentance and remission of sins are still preached to the chief of sinners, in the Redeemer's name; still the Holy Spirit seals the blessing on the believer's heart; still the encouraging promises are to us and our children; and still the blessings are offered to all that are afar off.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Then Peter said unto them - Peter had been the chief speaker, though others had also addressed them. He now, in the name of all, directed the multitude what to do.
Repent - See the notes on Matthew 3:2. Repentance implies sorrow for sin as committed against God, along with a purpose to forsake it. It is not merely a fear of the consequences of sin or of the wrath of God in hell. It is such a view of sin, as evil in itself, as to lead the mind to hate it and forsake it. Laying aside all view of the punishment of sin, the true penitent hates it. Even if sin were the means of procuring him happiness; if it would promote his gratification and be unattended with any future punishment, he would hate it and turn from it. The mere fact that it is evil, and that God hates it, is a sufficient reason why those who are truly penitent hate it and forsake it. False repentance dreads the consequences of sin; true repentance dreads sin itself. These persons whom Peter addressed had been merely alarmed; they were afraid of wrath, and especially of the wrath of the Messiah. They had no true sense of sin as an evil, but were simply afraid of punishment. This alarm Peter did not regard as by any means genuine repentance. Such conviction for sin would soon wear off, unless their repentance became thorough and complete. Hence, he told them to repent, to turn from sin, to exercise sorrow for it as an evil and bitter thing, and to express their sorrow in the proper manner. We may learn here:
(1) That there is no safety in mere conviction for sin: it may soon pass off, and leave the soul as thoughtless as before.
(2) there is no goodness or holiness in mere alarm or conviction. The devils ...tremble. A man may fear who yet has a firm purpose to do evil, if he can do it with impunity.
(3) many are greatly troubled and alarmed who never repent. There is no situation where souls are so easily deceived as here. Alarm is taken for repentance; trembling for godly sorrow; and the fear of wrath is taken to be the true fear of God.
(4) true repentance is the only thing in such a state of mind that can give any relief. An ingenuous confession of sin, a solemn purpose to forsake it, and a true hatred of it, is the only thing that can give the mind composure. Such is the constitution of the mind that nothing else will furnish relief. But the moment we are willing to make an open confession of guilt, the mind is delivered of its burden, and the convicted soul finds peace. Until this is done, and the hold on sin is broken, there can be no peace.
(5) we see here what direction is to be given to a convicted sinner. We are not to direct him to wait; nor to lead him to suppose that he is in a good way; nor to tell him to continue to seek; nor to call him a mourner; nor to take sides with him, as if God were wrong and harsh; nor to advise him to read, and search, and postpone the subject to a future time. We are to direct him to repent; to mourn over his sins, and to forsake them. Religion demands that he should at once surrender himself to God by genuine repentance; by confession that God is right and that he is wrong; and by a firm purpose to live a life of holiness.
Be baptized - See the notes on Matthew 3:6, Matthew 3:16. The direction which Christ gave to his apostles was that they should baptize all who believed, Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16. The Jews had not been baptized; and a baptism now would be a profession of the religion of Christ, or a declaration made before the world that they embraced Jesus as their Messiah. It was equivalent to saying that they should publicly and professedly embrace Jesus Christ as their Saviour. The gospel requires such a profession, and no one is at liberty to withhold it. A similar declaration is to be made to all who are inquiring the way to life. They are to exercise repentance; and then, without any unnecessary delay, to evince it by partaking of the ordinances of the gospel. If people are unwilling to profess religion, they have none. If they will not, in the proper way, show that they are truly attached to Christ, it is proof that they have no such attachment. Baptism is the application of water, as expressive of the need of purification, and as emblematic of the influences from God that can alone cleanse the soul. It is also a form of dedication to the service of God.
In the name of Jesus Christ - Not εἰς eis, into, but ἐπί epi, upon. The usual form of baptism is into the name of the Father, etc. - εἰς eis. Here it does not mean to be baptized by the authority of Jesus Christ, but it means to be baptized for him and his service; to be consecrated in this way, and by this public profession, to him and to his cause. The expression is literally upon the name of Jesus Christ: that is, as the foundation of the baptism, or as that on which its propriety rested or was based. In other words, it is with an acknowledgment of him in that act as being what his name imports the Sinner's only Hope, his Redeemer, Lord, Justifier, King (Prof. Hackett, in loco). The name of Jesus Christ means the same as Jesus Christ himself. To be baptized to his name is to be devoted to him. The word "name" is often thus used. The profession which they were to make amounted to this: a confession of sins; a hearty purpose to turn from them; a reception of Jesus as the Messiah and as a Saviour; and a determination to become his followers and to be devoted to his service. Thus, 1 Corinthians 10:2, to be baptized unto Moses means to take him as a leader and guide. It does not follow that, in administering the ordinance of baptism, they used only the name of Jesus Christ. It is much more probable that they used the form prescribed by the Saviour himself Matthew 28:19; though, as the special mark of a Christian is that he receives and honors Jesus Christ, this name is used here as implying the whole. The same thing occurs in Acts 19:5.
For the remission of sins - Not merely the sin of crucifying the Messiah, but of all sins. There is nothing in baptism itself that can wash away sin. That can be done only by the pardoning mercy of God through the atonement of Christ. But baptism is expressive of a willingness to be pardoned in that way, and is a solemn declaration of our conviction that there is no other way of remission. He who comes to be baptized, comes with a professed conviction that he is a sinner; that there is no other way of mercy but in the gospel, and with a professed willingness to comply with the terms of salvation, and to receive it as it is offered through Jesus Christ.
And ye shall receive ... - The gift of the Holy Spirit here does not mean his extraordinary gifts, or the power of working miracles, but it simply means, you shall partake of the influences of the Holy Spirit "as far as they may be adapted to your case" - as far as may be needful for your comfort, peace, and sanctification. There is no evidence that they were all endowed with the power of working miracles, nor does the connection of the passage require us thus to understand it. Nor does it mean that they had not been awakened "by his influences." All true conviction is from him, John 16:8-10. But it is also the office of the Spirit to comfort, to enlighten, to give peace, and thus to give evidence that the soul is born again. To this, probably, Peter refers; and this all who are born again and profess faith in Christ possess. There is peace, calmness, joy; there is evidence of piety, and that evidence is the product of the influences of the Spirit. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace," etc., Galatians 5:22, Galatians 5:24.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
38. Repent—The word denotes change of mind, and here includes the reception of the Gospel as the proper issue of that revolution of mind which they were then undergoing.
baptized … for the remission of sins—as the visible seal of that remission.
Matthew Poole's Commentary
Repent, which includes amendment of life, Matthew 3:8 Luke 3:8. In the name of Jesus Christ; not excluding the name of the Father and the Holy Ghost, in whose name, as well as in the name of the Son, they were to baptize, Matthew 28:19: but the name of Jesus is here mentioned, because they had not yet known (but persecuted and slain) him, whom henceforward they must profess; and that they look for pardon and salvation only through him. For the remission of sins; thus Saul, or Paul, is said to wash away his sins by baptism, Acts 22:16; and this apostle elsewhere says, that baptism saves us, 1 Peter 3:21; which he explains to be, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience, & c. The gift of the Holy Ghost:
1. His internal gifts, confirmation and strengthening in the faith.
2. External gifts, as that of speaking with tongues, which they heard. Both, or either of these, according to their conditions or stations, God would bestow upon them.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
Then Peter said unto them,.... Being the mouth of the apostles, and being ready to give advice, and speak a word of comfort to their distressed minds:
repent: change your minds, entertain other thoughts, and a different opinion of Jesus of Nazareth, than you have done; consider him, and believe in him, as the true Messiah and Saviour of the world; look upon him, not any more as an impostor, and a blasphemer, but as sent of God, and the only Redeemer of Israel; change your voice and way of speaking of him, and your conduct towards his disciples and followers; a change of mind will produce a change of actions in life and conversation: bring forth fruits meet for repentance; and make an open and hearty profession of repentance for this your sin. And this the apostle said, to distinguish between a legal and an evangelical repentance; the former is expressed in their being pricked to the heart, on which they were not to depend; the latter he was desirous they might have, and show forth; which springs from the love of God, is attended with views, or at least hopes of pardoning grace and mercy, and with faith in Christ Jesus: it lies in a true sight and sense of sin, under the illuminations and convictions of the Spirit of God; in a sorrow for it, after a godly sort, and because it is committed against a God of love, grace, and mercy, and it shows itself in loathing sin, and in shame for it, in an ingenuous acknowledgement of it, and in forsaking it: and this is moreover urged, to show the necessity of it, as to salvation, for such that God would not have perish, he will have come to repentance; so to their admission to the ordinance of baptism, to which repentance is a pre-requisite; and to which the apostle next advises:
and be baptized everyone of you; that repents and believes; that is, in water, in which John administered the ordinance of baptism; in which Christ himself was baptized, and in which the apostles of Christ administered it; in this Philip baptized the eunuch; and in this were the persons baptized that were converted in Cornelius's house; and it is distinguished from the baptism of the Spirit, or with fire, the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit mentioned in the last clause of this verse; and which ordinance of water baptism was administered by immersion, as the places, Jordan and Aenon, where John performed it, and the instances of it particularly in Christ, and in the eunuch, and the end of it, which is to represent the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, as well as the primary signification of the word, show. And this is to be done,
in the name of Jesus Christ; not to the exclusion of the Father, and of the Spirit, in whose name also this ordinance is to be administered, Matthew 28:19 but the name of Jesus Christ is particularly mentioned, because of these Jews, who had before rejected and denied him as the Messiah; but now, upon their repentance and faith, they are to be baptized in his name, by his authority, according to his command; professing their faith in him, devoting themselves to him, and calling on his name. The end for which this was to be submitted to, is,
for the remission of sins; not that forgiveness of sin could be procured either by repentance, or by baptism; for this is only obtained by the blood of Christ; but the apostle advises these awakened, sensible, repenting, and believing souls, to submit to baptism, that by it their faith might be led to Christ, who suffered and died for their sins, who left them buried in his grave, and who rose again for their justification from them; all which is, in a most lively manner, represented in the ordinance of baptism by immersion: the encouragement to it follows,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost: not the grace of the Spirit, as a regenerator and sanctifier; for that they had already; and is necessary, as previous to baptism; unless it should mean confirmation of that grace, and stability in it, as it appears from Acts 2:42 they afterwards had; but rather the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, particularly the gift of speaking with tongues, which Christ had received from the Father, and had now shed on his apostles; see Acts 19:5.
Geneva Study Bible
{8} 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.
(8) Repentance and remission of sins in Christ are two principles of the Gospel and therefore of our salvation: and they are obtained by the promises apprehended by faith, and are ratified by us in baptism; and with our salvation comes the power of the Holy Spirit (Ed.).
Pulpit Commentary
Verse 38. - And for then, A.V.;
said (in italics) for said, A.V. and T.R.;
repent ye for repent, A.V.;
unto for for, A.V.;
your sins for sins, A.V. Repent, etc.
We have in this short verse the summary of Christian doctrine as regards man and God. Repentance and faith on the part of man; forgiveness of sins, or justification, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, or sanctification, on the part of God. And both these are expressed in the sacrament of baptism, which as it were ties the act of man to the promise of God. For the sacrament expresses man's faith and repentance on one side, and God's forgiveness and gift on the other.
Greek
Peter
Πέτρος (Petros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.
replied,
φησίν (phēsin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.
“Repent
Μετανοήσατε (Metanoēsate)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3340: From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider.
and
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.
be baptized,
βαπτισθήτω (baptisthētō)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 907: Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.
every one
ἕκαστος (hekastos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.
of you,
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
in
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.
the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
name
ὀνόματι (onomati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.
of Jesus
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.
Christ
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet* of Jesus. *Epithet = noun, an adjective or phrase expressing a quality or attribute regarded as characteristic of the person or thing mentioned.
for the
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.
forgiveness
ἄφεσιν (aphesin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 859: A sending away, a letting go, a release, pardon, complete forgiveness. From aphiemi; freedom; pardon.
of your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
sins,
ἁμαρτιῶν (hamartiōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin.
and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.
you will receive
λήμψεσθε (lēmpsesthe)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.
the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
gift
δωρεὰν (dōrean)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1431: A (free) gift, a gift (without repayment). From doron; a gratuity.
of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
Holy
Ἁγίου (Hagiou)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.
Spirit.
Πνεύματος (Pneumatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.
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.
Greek : Μετανοήστε και βαπτιστείτε ο καθένας σας στο όνομα του Ιησού Χριστού για τη συγχώρεση των αμαρτιών σας· και θα λάβετε τη δωρεά του Αγίου Πνεύματος.
Metanoíste kai vaptisteíte o kathénas sas sto ónoma tou Iisoú Christoú gia ti synchóresi ton amartión sas: kai tha lávete ti doreá tou Agíou Pnévmatos.
Hebrew: שובו בתשובה והיטבלו כל אחד מכם בשם ישוע המשיח לסליחת חטאיכם ותקבלו את מתנת רוח הקודש.
shuvo betashuva vehitablu kel achad mehem beshem yeshua hamesich lesalichat hateehem vetkablu et mitnat roch hakodsh.
French: Repentez-vous et que chacun de vous soit baptisé au nom de Jésus-Christ pour le pardon de vos péchés. Et vous recevrez le don du Saint-Esprit.
Afrikaans: Bekeer julle en laat elkeen van julle gedoop word in die Naam van Jesus Christus tot vergewing van julle sondes, en julle sal die gawe van die Heilige Gees ontvang.
Malay: Bertobatlah dan hendaklah kamu semua dibaptis dalam nama Yesus Kristus untuk pengampunan dosamu. Dan kamu akan menerima karunia Roh Kudus.
Indonesian: Bertobatlah dan hendaklah kamu masing-masing memberi dirimu dibaptis dalam nama Yesus Kristus untuk pengampunan dosamu. Maka kamu akan menerima karunia Roh Kudus.
Hindi: अपने पापों की क्षमा के लिए, तुम में से हर एक पश्चाताप करो और यीशु मसीह के नाम से बपतिस्मा लो। और तुम पवित्र आत्मा का दान पाओगे।
apane paapon kee kshama ke lie, tum mein se har ek pashchaataap karo aur yeeshu maseeh ke naam se bapatisma lo. aur tum pavitr aatma ka daan paoge.
Arabic:
توبوا وليعتمد كل واحد منكم باسم يسوع المسيح لغفران خطاياه، فتنالوا عطية الروح القدس.
tubuu waliaetamid kulu wahid minkum biasm yasue almasih lighufran khatayahi, fatanalawa eatiat alruwh alqudsu.
Russian:
Покайтесь, и да крестится каждый из вас во имя Иисуса Христа для прощения грехов. И получите дар Святого Духа.
Pokaytes', i da krestitsya kazhdyy iz vas vo imya Iisusa Khrista dlya proshcheniya grekhov. I poluchite dar Svyatogo Dukha.
German: Tut Buße und lasst euch alle im Namen Jesu Christi zur Vergebung eurer Sünden taufen. Dann werdet ihr die Gabe des Heiligen Geistes empfangen.
Spanish: Arrepiéntanse y bautícese cada uno de ustedes en el nombre de Jesucristo para perdón de sus pecados. Y recibirán el don del Espíritu Santo.
Portuguese (Brazil): Arrependam-se, e cada um de vocês seja batizado em nome de Jesus Cristo para perdão dos seus pecados, e receberão o dom do Espírito Santo.
Portuguese (Portugal): Arrependei-vos, e cada um de vós seja batizado em nome de Jesus Cristo para perdão dos vossos pecados, e recebereis o dom do Espírito Santo.
Chinese (Simplified): 你们各人要悔改，奉耶稣基督的名受洗，叫你们的罪得赦，就必领受所赐的圣灵。Nǐmen gè rén yào huǐgǎi, fèng yēsū jīdū de míng shòuxǐ, jiào nǐmen de zuì dé shè, jiù bì lǐngshòu suǒ cì de shènglíng.
Chinese (Traditional):
你們各人要悔改，奉耶穌基督的名受洗，叫你們的罪得赦，就必領受所賜的聖靈。Nǐmen gè rén yào huǐgǎi, fèng yēsū jīdū de míng shòuxǐ, jiào nǐmen de zuì dé shè, jiù bì lǐngshòu suǒ cì de shènglíng.
Japanese: 皆さん、悔い改めて、イエス・キリストの御名によって洗礼を受けなさい。そうすれば、罪の赦しが得られます。そうすれば、聖霊の賜物を受けるでしょう。Minasan, kuiaratamete, iesu Kirisuto no gyomei ni yotte senrei o uke nasai. Sō sureba,-zai no yurushi ga e raremasu. Sō sureba, seirei no tamamono o ukerudeshou.
Korean: 회개하고 예수 그리스도의 이름으로 세례를 받아 죄 사함을 얻으십시오. 그러면 성령의 선물을 받게 될 것입니다. hoegaehago yesu geuliseudoui ileum-eulo selyeleul bad-a joe saham-eul eod-eusibsio. geuleomyeon seonglyeong-ui seonmul-eul badge doel geos-ibnida.
Tamil: நீங்கள் ஒவ்வொருவரும் மனந்திரும்பி, பாவ மன்னிப்புக்காக இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவின் நாமத்தினாலே ஞானஸ்நானம் பெற்றுக்கொள்ளுங்கள்; அப்பொழுது பரிசுத்த ஆவியின் வரத்தைப் பெறுவீர்கள். Nīṅkaḷ ovvoruvarum maṉantirumpi, pāva maṉṉippukkāka iyēcu kiṟistuviṉ nāmattiṉālē ñāṉasnāṉam peṟṟukkoḷḷuṅkaḷ; appoḻutu paricutta āviyiṉ varattaip peṟuvīrkaḷ.
Punjabi ( Gurmukhi) : ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਹਰੇਕ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਾਪਾਂ ਦੀ ਮਾਫ਼ੀ ਲਈ ਯਿਸੂ ਮਸੀਹ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ ਤੇ ਤੋਬਾ ਕਰੇ ਅਤੇ ਬਪਤਿਸਮਾ ਲਵੇ, ਅਤੇ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਆਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਦਾਤ ਮਿਲੇਗੀ।
Tuhāḍē vicōṁ harēka āpaṇē pāpāṁ dī māfī la'ī yisū masīha dē nāma tē tōbā karē atē bapatisamā lavē, atē tuhānū pavitara ātamā dī dāta milēgī.
Punjabi (Shahmukhi) : ←
اپنے گناہواں دی معافی لئی، تہاڈے وچوں ہر اک، یسوع مسیح دے ناں تے توبہ کرو تے بپتسمہ لوو۔ تے تہانوں پاک روح دا تحفہ ملے گا۔
Ạpnai gnạḥwạ◌̃ dy̰ mʿạfy̰ lỷy̰, tḥạḍai wcẖw◌̃ ḥr ạḵ, y̰swʿ msy̰ḥ dai nạ◌̃ tai twbḥ ḵrw tai bptsmḥ lww. Tai tḥạnw◌̃ pạḵ rwḥ dạ tḥfḥ mlai gạ.
Thai: จงกลับใจและรับบัพติศมาทุกคนในพระนามของพระเยซูคริสต์ เพื่อการอภัยบาปของท่าน และท่านจะได้รับของประทานแห่งพระวิญญาณบริสุทธิ์
Cng klạb cı læa rạb bạph tiṣ̄ mā thuk khnnı phranām k̄hxng phra yesū khris̄t̒ pheụ̄̀x kār xp̣hạy bāp k̄hxng th̀ān læa th̀ān ca dị̂ rạb k̄hxng prathān h̄æ̀ng phra wiỵỵāṇ bris̄uthṭhi̒
