King James Version

What Does Acts 2:38 Mean?

Acts 2:38 in the King James Version says “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin... — study this verse from Acts chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 2:38 · KJV


Context

36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37

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?

38

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.

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 .

40

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Repent, and be baptized (μετανοήσατε καὶ βαπτισθήτω)—Peter's Pentecost command links internal transformation with public confession. The aorist imperative 'repent' demands decisive turning from sin and unbelief, particularly rejection of Jesus (v.36). Baptism 'in the name of Jesus Christ' distinguished Christian initiation from John's baptism and Jewish ritual washing—it publicly identified believers with Christ's death and resurrection. For the remission of sins (εἰς ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν) connects to Joel's prophecy just quoted—the promised Spirit is now available through Israel's crucified Messiah. The 3,000 baptized that day formed the nucleus of the Jerusalem church.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's sermon convicted hearers of complicity in crucifying the Messiah (vv.23,36). His call to repentance required Jews to reverse their verdict on Jesus and embrace him as Lord and Christ. Baptism risked social ostracism from the Jewish community. This occurred during Pentecost feast, around 30 AD.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does baptism's public nature challenge cultural Christianity and private faith?
  2. In what areas does genuine repentance require more than emotional regret?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Πέτρος1 of 25

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

δὲ2 of 25

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔφη3 of 25

said

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

πρὸς4 of 25

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς5 of 25

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Μετανοήσατε6 of 25

Repent

G3340

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

καὶ7 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βαπτισθήτω8 of 25

be baptized

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

ἕκαστος9 of 25

every one

G1538

each or every

ὑμῶν10 of 25

of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐπὶ11 of 25

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῷ12 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀνόματι13 of 25

the name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

Ἰησοῦ14 of 25

of Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ15 of 25

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

εἰς16 of 25

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἄφεσιν17 of 25

the remission

G859

freedom; (figuratively) pardon

ἁμαρτιῶν18 of 25

of sins

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

καὶ19 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λήψεσθε20 of 25

ye shall receive

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὴν21 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δωρεὰν22 of 25

the gift

G1431

a gratuity

τοῦ23 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἁγίου24 of 25

of the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

πνεύματος25 of 25

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 2:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 2:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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