Acts 2:37-39 37Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “What shall we do, men brothers?” 38And Peter said to them, “Repent and let each of your be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
Luke next records the crowd’s response to Peter’s sermon. Peter’s strategy of finding ways to connect to the Jews’ sacred Scripture, the historical events surrounding Jesus, and the evidence of signs and wonders before them with the speaking in so many diverse languages provided fertile ground for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction. The people were pierced to the heart, meaning they felt a deep sense of regret for what they had done to the Messiah. Hearing the gospel often brings a sense of guilt or shame because of sin. Such remorse is not necessary to salvation, but having a genuine feeling of conviction will solidify one’s decision to believe in Jesus. Without a realization of sin, one may have a hard time making repentance genuine.
Peter responds by describing four actions the people must experience. The first is to repent (metanoēsate). This important biblical word means to change one’s mind, and thus behavior, and come into agreement with God and God’s will or laws. The way to do this requires turning away from sin, self, and fleshly living and turning towards God in faith, love, and obedience.
Second is being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. The relationship of repenting and baptism is not developed in this passage, but baptism should be the outward evidence that a person has repented. The physical experience confirms the spiritual decision. Baptism was an important pracrtice of the early church in obedience to Jesus’ teaching found in Matthew 28:19-20. It is one of the important steps of disciple-making. It marks not only entry into God’s family, the church, but the deeper work of the Spirit.
The two human actions are answered by two divine responses. The third element Peter mentions is the forgiveness of sins. God removes one’s guilt when one comes to him in humility and confession. Baptism must be done in the name of Jesus Christ because it is only through him that forgiveness can be experienced. What he did on the cross as the Lamb of God took away the guilt of all who accept his gracious sacrifice in their behalf.
Fourth is God’s response to a person’s repentance and baptism is the filling of the Holy Spirit. Repentance is a prerequisite to receiving the Spirit. Luke links baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit in 10:44–48 and 19:5–6, but there are other passages where people receive the Spirit without baptism. The Bible is consistent that physical actions are not enough to experience salvation, but doing something physical, like baptism, when done with sincerity and faith, can serve as an indicator of one’s commitment to God.
Verse 39 is a sweeping summary and open invitation. The message Peter preached was universal and not just for the Jews who were gathered in Jerusalem. Peter may not have realized the significance of what he said in that he struggled later to expand his thinking to include ministry to the Gentiles (chapter 10). The promise of Joel 2:32 was for everyone, even those who had not yet heard the message. The last phrase can be interpreted in the context of the grace just described. The gospel is for the “whoever” (hosous an) God calls. This call is not intended for a special group of elected or predestined people but for all who are far off. God will draw people to this message as it is proclaimed by his faithful servants. Not everyone will respond, but the message must go out because it contains the grace available through Jesus Christ.
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