Can anyone explain Acts 2:38?

Answer 1

It's really very simple. All the scriptures will point back to each other. The disciples baptized this way because they knew what Jesus was saying. Remember he took upon himself no reputation. They never started a new way they done the Jesus way. What Jesus had said because they knew who Jesus was. They fulfilled Matthew 28:19 with Acts 2:38.

Lets go to Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Notice that Jesus said in the "name" not names as you would have for three individuals.

We see in Matthew 16:17 That Peter had a REVELATION of Jesus Christ given to him by God.

Matt. 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Here we see we must believe and be baptized to be saved.

Acts 4:10-12
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

This was Peter again with the revelation of Jesus Christ. Giving us the name that we must be saved by. Notice he also said THE STONE WHICH WAS SET AT NOUGHT OF YOU BUILDERS. Religious leaders will often deny or set aside the name Jesus when it comes to baptism. The scripture said there is no other name given.

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism.

Notice it does not say two baptisms it only gives one. Does Peter contradict Jesus? No he doesn't. He had the revelation given by God.

Acts 2:38&39

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Acts 8:15-18

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

The Holy Ghost had not fallen on any of them after they were baptized. Until the apostles land hands upon them.

We also see in Acts 19:2-6 They were simply baptized unto John baptism. This did not bring forth the Holy Ghost. Then they were all baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus in verse 5. In verse 6 Paul laid hands on them and the Holy Ghost came upon them.

Peter knew that the name of Jesus Christ covered it all. Jesus told us in
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

When Jesus spoke to them he knew they knew the revelation of who he was. That he was in the Father, and the Father in him. That Jesus was the Holy Ghost (comforter) that would come back to them. John chapter 14 tells this.

As it boils down we must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and we shall receive the Holy Ghost. There is no other way for this to be done, because the name of Jesus Christ is the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Notice it does not say whatsoever you do, except for baptism.
It says whatsoever you do. That means ALL that you do, do in the name of Jesus, this includes baptism.

The understanding of Acts 2:38 is the understanding of the Godhead.

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

When it comes to being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ a lot of people do not understand.

Many have been taught differently by their churches.

When it comes to baptism most are opposed to the name of Jesus Christ. THEY SET HIM AT NOUGHT. Just remember the scriptures, they will never fail you.

2 John 1:9&10

9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.

A good thing to remember for ALL CHRISTIANS is to keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God. All power is given to him, this includes the power to be saved and to receive the Holy Ghost.

2 John 1:7&8

7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an anti-christ.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

Websters Dictionary says - anti: one who is opposed
Therefore an anti-christ is one who denies or opposes Jesus Christ.

You have asked a very good question. If your are really interested in this study the scriptures I have given you. We know the Bible is the Word of God. I hope this helps you, it's kind of long but there are a whole lot of scriptures and evidence that points to baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. If we follow all the apostles and prophets and Jesus Christ the cheif corner stone taught us we shall receive a full reward.

Sorry for this being so long but after all I am a Bible believer.

Answer 2

The connection of baptism with the forgiveness of sins in v. 38 has often been a matter of controversy. A literal rendering of the verse runs: “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for/on the basis of the forgiveness of your sins.” The disputed word is the preposition eis, which could indicate purpose and thus be taken to mean that baptism is the prerequisite for the forgiveness of sins. There is ample evidence in the New Testament, however, that eis can also mean on the ground of, on the basis of, which would indicate the opposite relationship—that the forgiveness of sins is the basis, the grounds for being baptized. Perhaps more significant, however, is that the usual connection of the forgiveness of sins in Luke-Acts is with repentance and not with baptism at all (cf. Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; 5:31). In fact, in no other passage of Acts is baptism presented as bringing about the forgiveness of sins. If not linked with repentance, forgiveness is connected with faith (cf. 10:43; 13:38f.; 26:18).

The dominant idea in 2:38 thus seems to be repentance, with the other elements following. Repentance leads to baptism, the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of the Spirit. The essential response Peter called from the Jewish crowd is the complete turnabout that comprises true repentance, to turn away from their rejection of the Messiah and to call upon his name, receive baptism into his community, and share the gift of the Spirit they had just witnessed so powerfully at work in the Christians at Pentecost.

Answer 3

Lack of evidence does not mean that the disciples came up with a new way of baptizing someone.Jesus said baptize them in the name of the Father,Son,and Holy Ghost,in verse 41 of that chapter I believe that they were baptized just that away.The last part of Acts 2:38 says that they will receive the Holy Ghost.If you look at Acts 19:1-7 you will see that it wasn't until these men were baptized in the name of Jesus that they received the Holy Ghost.All four of the gospels tell us that Jesus will baptize us with fire and the Holy Ghost when being described by John the baptist.This is that baptism that Acts 2:38 is talking about here and not water baptism.Water will never cause us to receive the Holy Ghost unless its "Living Water" which is Jesus Christ.Had the disciples done it differently they would have disobeyed the Lord.If He would have wanted it done only in the name of Jesus (water baptism),He would have said so."For many deceivers are come into the world,who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.This is a deceiver and an Antichrist.Whosoever transgresseth,and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ ,hath not God.He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ,he hath BOTH (2) the Father and the Son.If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine,receive him not into your house,neither bid him God speed;" 2 John 1:verses 7 ,9-10.

Answer 4

To repent and be baptize in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins does not originate from Peter but from Jesus.

To repent means to stop from the direction you're heading and make a U-turn in your life journey.

To baptize, comes from the greek "baptizo", meaning to dip in water completely and come out. One must go down completely head to toe in order to fulfill this symbol, because it represent a whole new life. Baptism is getting married to Jesus and confessing your love for him publicly. He is the Groom and we the church( called out ones) collectively is the Bride. Christ confessed and demonstrated his love for us publicly at Calvary; we in turn respond by confessing our sins of crucifying Him and make a U-turn in our lives and study the baptismal vows and invite the world to witness the wedding day which is baptism. When two people, a man and woman are in love they confess it and study the vows and get married and live a new life together. Their lives could never be the same again. This is how it is with you and Christ. Be careful not to commit adultary with the devil or the world and be sure to confide in Him with all your problems. This is what every believer does when coming to Christ, unless their situation is like the dying thief on the cross, they need to baptize. Some lovers get married on their death beds and that is a rare exception. I would rather marry my Lord while I healthy and still have time.

The Holy Spirit is the ability and grace given the believer to hate the things they use to love and love the things they use to hate. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead according to Matthew 28:19; John 14:15-26; 16:5-15; Matt. 3:13-17; 1John 5:7(King James Version).

The Holy Spirit can be seen only when believers in Christ manifest the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26). The Gift of the Holy Spirit is given like a seed to a soil. It is when we surrender daily to Christ in devotion, prayer and witnessing that the Seed began to sprout and manifest within us and become evident to the world.

The Apostles did not go around saying we have the Spirit or even wearing a T-Shirt with the message, but they showed it by their lifestyles, witnessing and sacrificing their own wills daily for Christ.

The Spirit is also a mystery. Do not worry if you are still puzzle. Theologians are not the only ones doing theology. We all do theology by studying. Continue to study. I hope this helps a little.

Answer 5

Peter is standing before a large crowd of very religious people. He has just convincingly shown them from the Scriptures (the Old Testament) that Jesus was (and is!) the Messiah whom they were expecting to come. And then he has (rather brazenly!) stated that they are responsible for His murder. At this point, one might have expected that crowd to take a hold of Peter (and probably those with him) and commit murder yet again. But the majority of them (or at least a very significant number of them) recognize that Peter is right, and they cry out in their conviction, "What shall we do??!!" That brings us to the verse you are asking about.

Peter answers their question by saying that they must 'repent.' The word simply means 'to turn away' or 'to turn around.' Peter's answer to them is the same answer that formed John the Baptizer's message: "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand" (Mt. 3:2). That is also the basic message that Jesus proclaimed (Lk. 13:3,5). Peter's audience needed to recognize that, even though they were very religious, they were not in a right relationship with the Living God and they were they ones needing to change (repent), not God.

Peter also tells them that they needed to be baptized. There are at least two kinds of baptism: one with (or by) water and one with (or by) the Holy Spirit. The context of this situation is that the Holy Spirit had _just_ come upon (baptized) the 120 disciples that were standing there with Peter. It was an obviously supernatural event. In fact, it was that event that drew the attention of this very large crowd in the first place. With that context, I think it is very reasonable to understand that this baptism (with or by the Holy Spirit) is what Peter was speaking about. I think it is also very reasonable to understand that the 3000 or so people that turned their lives over to Jesus that morning were also baptized with (or by) water (v. 41). It is in fact only the baptism with (or by) the Holy Spirit that has the power to transform a life from the inside out. Baptism with (or by) water is only an outward action (ceremony) that symbolically declares something that should _already_ (previously) have taken place.

I hope that helps.

Answer 6

Dear minnie,

First let me explain the word "baptized." This word means washed or cleansed. Water is not in view here so it is not water baptism that is being spoke of. Besides, how can physical water wash away sin? It cannot!

Secondly, the Lord tells us here to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. But in Matthew 28:19 God says, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" So are we to baptize in the name of Jesus or as Matthew 28:19 says, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." I am sure you know that there is only One God. He is called by many different names but He is One. So in Acts 2:38, when we are "baptized or wahed", it on the authority or power of God. That is, God has to do the washing or cleansing because the Lord is the only One who can forgive sin!

Thirdly, when a person is saved or had their sins washed away, God the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in that person. We read in Ephesians 1:12-14, "That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." I want you to see what is happening here--the person hears the Gospel (the word of God), the Lord saves them, and the Holy Spirit comes to live within that person. The Holy Spirit is God just as Jesus is God. So, God lives in the believer and the believer becomes the tabernacle or temple of God.

Finally, repentance is the turning away from sin. We can turn away from some sins when we are unsaved, but usually other sins take their place. When a person becomes saved or born-again, he will have an earnest desire to be more obedient to God. He (the believer) will hate sin and if he falls into sin, it causes him great anguish and sorrow becaue he loves God and wants to please Him.

For more info see my sources below: you can Google them and read them off your computer.

Answer 7

This is not a contradiction to the fuller formula given in Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

In Acts the abbreviated form emphasizes the distinctive quality of this baptism, for Jesus is now included in a way that he was not in John's baptism.

Answer 8

This is resolved when concider the possible meaning of being baptized "for" the remission of sins in the light of its usage, the whole context, and the rest of the Scripture.

The word "for" can mean ' with a view to' or 'because of'. In this case, water baptism would be because the had been saved, not in order to be saved.

People are saved by receiving God's word, and Peter's audience "gladly received his word" before they were baptized ( Acts 2:41 )

Verse 44 speaks of "all who believed" as constituting the early church, not all who were baptized.

Those who believed Peter's message clearly received the Holy Spirit BEFORE they were baptized. Look what Peter said Acts 10:47.

Paul separates baptism from the Gospel, saying " Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach Gospel" 1 Cor 1:17. But it is the Gospel that saves us Rom 1:16. Therefore the baptism is not the part that saves us.

Jesus referred to baptism as a work of righteousness in Matt 3:15. But the Bible declares clearly it is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us" Titus 3:5.

Not even once in the Gospel of John ( so that people could believe and be saved ) does it give baptism as a part of the condition of salvation. It simply says over and over that people should "believe" and be saved John 3:16,18,36.

In a nutshell: Repent and be baptized with a view to the forgiveness of sins"

Neither Peter nor the rest of the Scripture makes baptism a condition of savation.

Answer 9

Hi, Minnie:

John the Baptist preceded Christ's mission with the words Repent and be Baptized.

Jesus said the thing, Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand, and choose disciples to carry out His commission.

Peter and the rest were doing the same thing, calling people to accept Jesus for the remission of sins.

You see, in the Old Testament, people confessed their sins on a lamb that was killed for them. Thus comes Jesus, the Lamb of God, the literal fulfillment of types and symbols in the Old Testament.

God tells us again in a Bible Code to clarify the issue and reveal the identity of the Abomination of Desolation He warns us about. Select www.revelado.org/revealed.htm

Blessings, Balaam

Answer 10

Here's what the verse says:

"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."

That pretty much says it all -- though "receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" could be open to interpretation.

For Catholics, receiving the Holy Spirit happens during the sacrament of Confirmation. For Catholics baptized as babies or young children, this happens at around 13 or 14 years of age. For adults who convert to Catholicism, they often receive baptism and confirmation at the same time.

Receiving the Holy Spirit means that God is within us -- He's not "out there" somewhere in some far-off, unknown place or realm.

Knowing that we've received the Holy Spirit -- the same gift received by billions of other Christians through history -- unites us and truly shows us that we are all part of the same body, the Body of Christ.

.

Answer 11

Caleb's Mom said it best. This scripture is describing God's promise of forgiveness for all our sins, fulfilled by the shedding of Jesus' blood and outpouring of his risen spirit to dwell within our bodies, the holy temple within. To receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, two conditions must be met: Repent and Be baptized in the Name of Jesus. Those that sincerely, humbly surrender and repent their sins already have demonstrated enough faith in Jesus to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Once received, one can open their hearts in repentance to God to receive it as many times as one wants. In fact, the more the better - it leads to sanctification and also gifts that can be used to edify the entire body of Christ. (The gifts of the Holy Spirit are diverse, as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV, but are one of the same Spirit.)

The book of Acts is not finished yet. The outpouring of His Spirit is still happening. Thank you Jesus.