Acts 2:38

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Πέτρος

G4074

Peter

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

δὲ

G1161

Then

but, and, etc

ἔφη

G5346

said

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς

G846

them

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Μετανοήσατε

G3340

Repent

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βαπτισθήτω

G907

be baptized

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

ἕκαστος

G1538

every one

each or every

#10

ὑμῶν

G5216

of you

of (from or concerning) you

#11

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#12

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

ὀνόματι

G3686

the name

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

#14

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

of Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#15

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#16

εἰς

G1519

for

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#17

ἄφεσιν

G859

the remission

freedom; (figuratively) pardon

#18

ἁμαρτιῶν

G266

of sins

a sin (properly abstract)

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

λήψεσθε

G2983

ye shall receive

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

#21

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

δωρεὰν

G1431

the gift

a gratuity

#23

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

ἁγίου

G40

of the Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#25

πνεύματος

G4151

Ghost

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Mark 1:15 Mark 1:15
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
— Repent ye, and believe
² Acts 3:19 Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
— Repent ye therefore

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul