Acts 2:38

What does Acts 2:38 mean?

Luke records Peter's sermon in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, soon after Jesus rose and ascended. When the crowd, “pricked in their heart”, asked “what shall we do?” (verse 37), Peter answered: repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Verse 39 says the promise reaches “all that are afar off”.

How can I apply Acts 2:38 today?

Peter's answer began with a turn of heart. Ask yourself what you need to turn from, and talk to God about it today. If you are exploring faith or baptism, take the next step by speaking with a church leader or a trusted believer, and remember verse 39: the promise is for you too.

In context · Acts 2:36–40

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 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? 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. 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. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Topics

Faith · Forgiveness