What does Acts 2:38 mean?
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
‘Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’—Peter’s call at Pentecost.
Cut to the heart by Peter’s sermon, the crowd asks what to do. He calls them to turn from sin and be baptized in Jesus’ name.
The promised result is forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit—the pattern of response to the gospel.
What does Acts 2:38 say to do?
Repent (turn from sin to God) and be baptized in Jesus’ name, receiving forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Greek word studies — original-language background to the verse.
Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.