What are the steps Peter gives in Acts 2:38 for salvation and the Holy Spirit?
Acts 2:38 sets forth repentance, water baptism, remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter's hearers were to repent and be baptized; then they would receive forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit would come upon them. This was the criteria given to those hearers.
Les explains that Acts 2:38 is clear and obvious: they were to repent, be baptized, receive remission of sins, and then the Holy Spirit would come upon them. He identifies baptism as water baptism and calls the Holy Spirit's coming the fourth step. Les then contrasts this with Acts 10, where the order is reversed in the Gentile economy: while Peter spoke only about Jesus, His death, and resurrection, they believed, and the Holy Spirit came upon them as evidence of their faith without repentance or 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
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.
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.
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.