Repentance and Baptism in Acts 2

The crowd hears about Jesus

At Pentecost, Peter explains the events the crowd has witnessed by referring to Scripture and proclaiming Jesus. He speaks about Jesus’ death, resurrection, and exaltation, concluding that God has made him Lord and Christ. The hearers then ask what they should do. Their question is a response to this proclamation. ¹

Peter’s answer must be taught in that order. Repentance is connected with the identity and saving work of Jesus. A teacher should explain the gospel before asking listeners to respond. The purpose is to help them understand whom they are trusting and why their relationship to him needs to change.

The command to repent

The Greek command addresses the hearers as a group, while the accompanying instruction about baptism involves each person. The response is both personal and shared. Peter is calling people to receive what he has announced and to identify with Jesus. He is not simply asking them to discuss a general religious idea.

Repentance includes a changed understanding of Jesus and a changed allegiance to him. This affects decisions and conduct. Regret may accompany repentance, but a person needs to respond to what the regret concerns. Confession, willingness to change, and practical obedience help make that response understandable to the person and the community.

The answer and the developing community

Peter’s appeal follows the sermon’s account of Jesus. The hearers have been confronted with his identity as Lord and Christ. The command to repent therefore concerns their response to him. It should be explained through that argument rather than through an isolated dictionary definition that leaves Jesus out of the discussion. ^{2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}

Baptism, forgiveness, and the gift of the Holy Spirit appear together in the answer. Christian traditions differ in how they explain some relationships among these elements. Teachers should discuss the complete passage and the wider accounts in Acts. One grammatical feature should not be used by itself to settle every question about conversion. ^{8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13}

Acts continues by describing apostolic teaching, fellowship, meals, prayer, and generous care. The response at Pentecost leads into a continuing life together. These practices help readers see what following Christ involved for the new believers. Repentance is followed by learning and service within a community that depends on God. ^{14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21}

Prepare people for baptism

Peter directs the hearers to baptism in Jesus’ name. The expression identifies their response with Jesus and his authority. Christian teaching should also consider Matthew 28 and other baptism passages. Reading them together helps students explain their understanding of baptism instead of assuming one phrase contains every detail of the practice.

Pentecostal teaching affirms baptism for believers who trust Christ. Candidates should understand the gospel, the meaning of baptism, and the responsibilities of Christian life. A church can offer preparation, answer questions, and provide support afterward. The ceremony should be part of a clearly understood response to Jesus rather than an event disconnected from faith.

Receive the Spirit’s gift

Peter describes the Holy Spirit as a gift and extends the promise beyond those immediately present to those whom God calls. Divine generosity is central to his response. The hearers are invited into what God gives through Christ, not required to make a sufficiently dramatic display before they can approach him.

Pentecostal churches seek the Spirit’s empowerment and study the accounts of his activity throughout Acts. Prayer should be accompanied by clear teaching and patient attention to each believer. The outward intensity of someone’s response does not determine their worth. A congregation can encourage expectation while ensuring people understand what is being taught and sought.

Repentance affects responsibilities

When wrongdoing has harmed another person, repentance needs to address that harm. Depending on the circumstances, this can include returning what was taken, telling the truth, changing access to a responsibility, or accepting appropriate consequences. These actions follow from taking the wrong seriously and seeking to act differently.

Forgiveness should be taught alongside care for those affected. A church may forgive a person while still needing time and evidence before restoring a leadership responsibility. Explain the reasons clearly and apply standards consistently. A public apology is useful only when followed by the conduct and safeguards appropriate to the situation.

Continue learning to follow Christ

Read Acts 2:22 to 47 and identify the proclamation, the response, and the practices that follow. This larger selection helps a study group understand verse 38 within the story. Discuss how a new believer can receive instruction and companionship instead of being left alone after an initial profession of faith.

For personal application, name a response you need to make to Christ. Ask for help where a harmful habit or unresolved wrong requires action. Trust his mercy while taking the needed step. The congregation should support honest change through prayer, teaching, and practical care, following the continuing life described at the end of the chapter.