Reference

Acts 2:38

Believer's BaptismBaptism Necessary for SalvationAgency Representation
“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.”
36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

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.

39

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

40

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Why This Verse Was Tagged

Believer's Baptism
Keyword Match
90% relevance

This verse contains specific terms directly associated with this theme.

Baptism Necessary for Salvation
Keyword Match
95% relevance

This verse contains specific terms directly associated with this theme.

Agency Representation
Keyword Match
80% relevance

This verse contains specific terms directly associated with this theme.

Counter-Arguments

The strongest case that this verse does not belong in this theme.

Believer's Baptism

The verse does not explicitly state that the baptism is *only* for those who have made a conscious decision, leaving open the interpretation that it could also apply to infants or children of believers as part of a covenantal understanding, where the "repentance" and "remission of sins" are understood in a broader, familial or communal context rather than solely as individual, adult choices.

Baptism Necessary for Salvation

While Acts 2:38 clearly links baptism with the remission of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit, other New Testament passages emphasize faith alone as the condition for salvation (e.g., Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10). This suggests that baptism, while important and commanded, might be an outward expression or a public declaration of an inward faith that has already secured salvation, rather than a prerequisite for salvation itself. The thief on the cross (Luke 23:42-43) is often cited as an exa

Agency Representation

The verse explicitly states "in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins," which directly links the act of baptism and the remission of sins to Jesus Christ himself, not merely to Peter as an agent. While Peter is the messenger, the efficacy of the act is attributed to Jesus, suggesting more than just agency representation in the sense of Peter acting on Jesus' behalf, but rather a direct connection to Jesus' authority and power. The "gift of the Holy Ghost" further emphasizes a direct

Believer's Baptism
Believer's Baptism

Cross-References

Mark 16:16Thematic

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Matthew 28:19Thematic

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”

Acts 22:16Thematic

“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

Mark 16:16Thematic

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Acts 8:12Thematic

“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”

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Thematic Connections

Believer's BaptismBaptism Necessary for SalvationAgency Representation

Private Study Note