What was the nation of Israel told to repent of in Acts 2?
In Acts 2, Israel was told to repent of having rejected and crucified their Messiah, Jesus. Peter charged them with demanding His death and causing Rome to carry it out, though not with their own hands. Their repentance was to be evidenced by baptism.
Les explains that Peter is addressing only the nation of Israel, still on the ground of the Abrahamic covenant and the other Old Testament covenants. Peter declares that Jesus was delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, yet Israel took Him and by wicked hands crucified and slain Him. Les points out that they did not do it with their own hands; they demanded it and caused Rome to carry it out, openly rejecting their Messiah. Then in verse 36 Peter says the whole house of Israel should know assuredly that God made this same Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ. Les notes Peter says nothing about Gentiles here. Just because they killed Him did not stop God's program, because God raised Him from the dead. The message to Israel was to repent—of having rejected their Messiah—and to prove that repentance with baptism.
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
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.
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.