Acts 2:38

The context

Peter has preached at Pentecost, quoting Joel on the outpouring of the Spirit and declaring that God has made this Jesus both Lord and Christ. The crowd is cut to the heart and asks what they should do. This verse is the answer, and it is followed by an appeal to a generation and by three thousand baptisms.

What it establishes

Repentance and baptism are named together as the response to the proclamation, and the gift of the Spirit is attached to the promise. The call is addressed to those who had a share in the crucifixion.

What it does not establish

It does not settle the sacramental question. Whether baptism here conveys the Spirit or accompanies a response that receives him, and how the phrase rendered for the forgiveness of sins should be parsed, are disputed among traditions that all quote this verse.

Short note, first pass, October 2026. Corrections welcome.

Cited in these answers

• Be Right! (with God)

Part of Scripture, Opened — the exegetical layer behind every citation on this site. Scripture quotations are from the ESV.