Acts 2:38
What does Acts 2:38 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 2:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 2:38 means
Peter's instruction to the convicted crowd is clear and direct: '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.' Repentance involves a change of mind leading to a change of life; baptism publicly signifies this repentance and faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. This promise includes not only forgiveness but also the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit, now universally available.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Peter said, Let your hearts be changed, every one of you, and have baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will have the Holy Spirit given to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and 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,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptised, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for remission of sins, and ye will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Context
In response to the crowd's urgent question, Peter provides a concise and direct answer defining the path to salvation. This verse lays out the essential steps of repentance and baptism in Jesus' name for forgiveness and the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. This clear call to action highlights the immediate and tangible requirements for those who wish to respond to the Gospel, leading into the broader scope of this promise.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 8:20
But Peter said unto him, Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money.
- Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.
- 1 Peter 3:21
which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ;
- Luke 24:47
and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
- Acts 26:20
but declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judæa, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
- Isaiah 59:21
And as for me, this is my covenant with them, saith Jehovah: my Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith Jehovah, from henceforth and for ever.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 2.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About The Church
The church, in its various forms, is a central theme in Scripture, revealing God's plan for humanity's redemption and community
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
What the Bible says about…