Les Feldick Bible Study

What order does Acts 2:38 give for repentance, baptism, and receiving remission of sins?

Acts 2:38 presents the sequence as repentance first, then baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and then remission of sins. The order is crucial: repent, be baptized, and afterward receive remission of sins. The context emphasizes watching every word and the order Peter gave.

Les explains that Acts 2:38 must be read carefully because the order is crucial. Peter said, "Repent, be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ," and then they would have remission of sins. Les contrasts this with Acts 10:44-48, where Gentiles received the Holy Spirit before water baptism, so the procedure was reversed, or totally flip-flopped. In Acts 2:38, the order remains repentance, baptism, and then remission of sins.

Acts 2:38

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.

More Questions

How was the order of receiving the Holy Spirit and water baptism reversed in Acts 10 compared to Acts 2:38?

In Acts 10, the procedure was reversed: the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles before water baptism, in contrast to the order in Acts 2:38 where baptism and remission of sins came before the Spirit.

Who was Acts 2:38's command to repent and be baptized given to?

Acts 2:38 is tied to Acts 2:36, and it was the people of Israel who were to understand that they needed to repent and be baptized.

What is the order of steps in Acts 2:38 for repentance, baptism, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit?

At Acts 2:38 the required order for these believers was: repent, be baptized in water, receive forgiveness of sins, and then the Holy Spirit would come upon them.

Who was Peter addressing in Acts 2:38 when he said repent and be baptized?

In Acts 2:38 Peter was speaking to the house of Israel (identified in verse 36), telling every one of them to repent and be baptized.

What is the prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38?

According to Acts 2:38, repentance and baptism are the prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit.