Acts 2:38
Verse
Context
Three Thousand Believe
37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”38Peter 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.39This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Peter said unto them, Repent - Μετανοησατε; Humble yourselves before God, and deeply deplore the sins you have committed; pray earnestly for mercy, and deprecate the displeasure of incensed justice. For a definition of repentance, see on Mat 3:2 (note). And be baptized every one of you - Take on you the public profession of the religion of Christ, by being baptized in his name; and thus acknowledge yourselves to be his disciples and servants. For the remission of sins - Εις αφεσιν ἁμαρτιων, In reference to the remission or removal of sins: baptism pointing out the purifying influences of the Holy Spirit; and it is in reference to that purification that it is administered, and should in consideration never be separated from it. For baptism itself purifies not the conscience; it only points out the grace by which this is to be done. Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost - If ye faithfully use the sign, ye shall get the substance. Receive the baptism, in reference to the removal of sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, by whose agency alone the efficacy of the blood of the covenant is applied, and by whose refining power the heart is purified. It was by being baptized in the name of Christ that men took upon themselves the profession of Christianity; and it was in consequence of this that the disciples of Christ were called Christians.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Repent--The word denotes change of mind, and here includes the reception of the Gospel as the proper issue of that revolution of mind which they were then undergoing. baptized . . . for the remission of sins--as the visible seal of that remission.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Either of the Messiah, and salvation by him, which was particularly given forth to the people of the Jews; or of the remission of sins, which was a branch of the covenant made with the house of Israel, in a spiritual sense, even the whole household of God; or of the pouring forth of the Spirit: and this promise was not only to them, but to theirs, even to as many of them as belonged to the election of grace; and whom the Lord their God would effectually call by his grace, as the last and limiting clause of the text, and which is to be connected with every part of it, shows: and to your children: this is the rather mentioned, because these awakened, and converted souls, were not only in great concern about themselves, for their sin of crucifying Christ, but were in great distress about their children, on whom they had imprecated the guilt of Christ's blood, as upon themselves; the thought of which cut them to the heart, and made their hearts bleed, within them: wherefore to relieve them, and administer comfort to them in this their distress, the apostle informs them, that the promise of Christ, and of his grace, was not only to them, who were now called, but it was also to their children; to as many of them as the Lord God should call; and who are the children of the promise, which all the children of the flesh were not, Rom 9:6 and to these the promise should be applied, notwithstanding this dreadful imprecation of theirs: and to all that are afar off; either in place, as those that were dispersed, among the several nations of the world; and so carried in it a comfortable aspect on the multitude of Jews, that were of every nation under heaven; or in time, who should live in ages to come; or else the Gentiles are intended, who were afar off from God and Christ, and the way of life and salvation by him; see Eph 2:12 even as many as the Lord our God shall call: not externally only, by the ministry of the word, but internally, by his grace and Spirit; with that calling, which is according to the purpose and grace of God, and is inseparably connected with eternal glory; the promise is to all such, and is made good to all such, whether they be Jews or Gentiles, fathers, or children, greater or lesser sinners. The Syriac version reads, "whom God himself shall call".
Acts 2:38
Three Thousand Believe
37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”38Peter 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.39This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Revival on the Isle of Lewis
By Duncan Campbell23K1:01:00Revival HistoryMAT 3:11MAT 6:33MAT 7:7MAT 25:41ACT 2:1ACT 2:38ACT 17:30In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a revival that took place in a parish. The revival began when four young girls, aged 16, prayed for their headmaster and their prayers were answered. The speaker then describes a meeting where he preached and the power of God fell upon the people while they were singing a song. Many people cried out to God for mercy and experienced a transformation. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of honesty and shares a testimony of a man who knew God deeply. The sermon highlights the fruits of the revival and the impact it had on the community.
Are You Walking in Romans 8?
By Andrew Strom20K52:56MAT 6:33ACT 2:38REV 20:15In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about Charles Finney, a preacher who had a profound impact on people's lives. Finney's presence alone caused a cotton factory full of workers to weep and repent without him saying a word. This led to the factory owner closing down the factory for a Christian meeting to address their hearts. The speaker emphasizes the importance of convicting preaching and the need for people to experience conviction of sin in order to truly understand the gospel. The sermon also highlights the urgency of returning to the kind of preaching that Wesley and Finney practiced, which brought about powerful revival and conversion experiences.
Great Commission
By John Stott11K38:02Great CommissionMAT 10:9LUK 24:44ACT 2:38ACT 3:19ACT 17:30In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Great Commission as recorded by Matthew, Luke, and John. The five aspects of the Great Commission, as summarized by Luke, are: proclamation of forgiveness of sins, based on Christ's saving name, conditioned on repentance, to all nations, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. The speaker acknowledges that the Church has at times failed in these aspects, distorting the message, forgetting Christ's name, muting the call to repentance, neglecting the unevangelized nations, and lacking spiritual equipment. However, the speaker emphasizes that there is still time for repentance and making amends, and with the increasing population and modern means of communication, the goal of world evangelization remains possible. The sermon concludes by highlighting the importance of the promise of the Holy Spirit's power and the command to wait for it before embarking on the Great Commission.
A Call to Repentance
By Vance Havner10K36:16RepentanceMAT 3:2MAT 4:17MRK 6:12ACT 2:38ACT 20:21ROM 13:14REV 2:5In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a water wheel in an old-fashioned mill to illustrate the importance of removing hindrances and obstacles in order for the church to operate effectively. He emphasizes the need for repentance and the removal of sin in order for the church to be successful in evangelism. The speaker also highlights the danger of trying to do things in our own strength, rather than relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. He encourages listeners to let God work through them and to abide in Him, rather than striving in their own efforts.
Then the Fire of the Lord Fell
By Duncan Campbell9.9K1:22:35Baptism Of The Holy Spirit1KI 18:381KI 18:40ISA 63:1ACT 2:38In this sermon transcript, the preacher emphasizes the need for conviction and the fear of God in our lives. He describes a powerful experience of God's presence during a church service, where the congregation was deeply moved and cried out for God to do it again. The preacher shares how the Holy Spirit was at work, convicting people of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's continued presence and a reference to biblical visions of God's glory.
Water Baptism - Part 1
By Derek Prince9.0K24:00Water BaptismMAT 6:33MAT 28:19MRK 16:16ACT 2:38ROM 6:3EPH 4:5COL 2:12In this sermon, Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of not just believing and confessing the Gospel, but also demonstrating it through our actions. He shares a principle he taught to African teachers, stating that people remember 80% of what they hear, see, and do. He then delves into the commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs his disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Prince concludes by stating that they will actually carry out the ordinance of water baptism, putting their preaching into practice.
Whatever Happened to Repentance?
By David Wilkerson9.0K00:00RepentanceMAT 4:17MAT 23:37MRK 16:16LUK 5:32ACT 2:38ROM 2:4HEB 6:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. He urges the congregation to come forward and confess their sins, both believers and non-believers alike. The preacher encourages everyone to be open and honest with God, confessing any hidden sins and seeking Godly sorrow in their hearts. He reminds the audience that all of heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents. The sermon concludes with a call to ask God to reveal where each individual stands in their relationship with Him.
Dr. Orr's Testimony
By J. Edwin Orr8.9K43:53TestimonyMAT 4:17MRK 1:15LUK 24:47JHN 3:16ACT 2:381JN 1:7REV 3:20In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of revival and missionary work. They mention a time when they were in college and witnessed many conversions and dedication to the mission theme. They also talk about a revival they were a part of in New Zealand, where they saw the community being revived. The speaker then shares a disappointing experience where they were offered a salary to do missionary work but the offer fell through. They had to go back to secular employment to support their family during the Depression. The sermon also includes some humorous anecdotes about students finding a way to smoke during compulsory chapel sessions. Overall, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying dedicated to God and experiencing a close relationship with Him.
(K-Char-01) the Knowledge of the Holy
By Art Katz8.0K1:05:03Knowledge of the HolyPSA 51:5ISA 53:5MAT 3:13MAT 7:21ACT 2:38ROM 1:162CO 5:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the magnitude of sin and the need for contrition and brokenness. He highlights that a shallow concept of sin hinders our understanding of the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus. The speaker criticizes the message of some Christians who focus on personal benefits rather than the true message of the Gospel. He also challenges the church to consider moral questions and the role of God in a world filled with injustice and suffering.
Great Commission - Part 1
By John Stott7.8K40:02Great CommissionMAT 28:19MRK 16:9LUK 24:47JHN 20:23ACT 1:6ACT 2:38ACT 10:43In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Great Commission and its four essential elements. The first element is the need for believers to have a personal experience of peace before sharing the word of God. The second element is the importance of identifying with the people to whom they are sent, living in the world and understanding their struggles. The third element is the necessity of the Holy Spirit's power in ministry. Lastly, the preacher emphasizes the significance of an authoritative proclamation of the divine terms of peace. The sermon also addresses the misinterpretation of certain verses by the Catholic Church regarding priestly absolution and sacramental confession.
Water Baptism - Part 2
By Derek Prince7.6K23:31Water BaptismMAT 6:33ACT 2:38ROM 1:4ROM 6:41CO 15:3COL 2:121PE 3:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of water baptism as a representation of the gospel message. He explains that the gospel is centered on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15. Water baptism symbolizes our acceptance of these truths and our identification with Christ through faith. The preacher highlights that through baptism, we declare that we are dead to sin and have been raised to newness of life, just as Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to continually reckon themselves dead to sin and live in the reality of their new life in Christ.
(The Chief End of Man - Part 3): Worship Acceptable to God
By A.W. Tozer6.3K41:38Chief End of ManGEN 3:8PSA 45:11MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 2:38In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of worship and the importance of understanding the nature of God. He emphasizes that worship should be acceptable to God and that to do so, one must know what kind of God He is. The preacher uses the story of King's worship to illustrate this point, highlighting how King brought a gift to God but did not understand the need for atonement through blood sacrifice. The sermon also touches on the idea that God created everything with a purpose, including man, who was meant to worship Him but fell away from this purpose. The preacher references Bible verses, such as Psalm 45:10-11, to support his arguments.
Choices, Deeds & Consequences
By A.W. Tozer5.5K42:40ConsequencesDEU 30:19PRO 14:12MAT 7:13JHN 14:6ACT 2:38ROM 6:231JN 5:12In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a man who was focused on his own wealth and success. Despite his plans for remodeling and his abundance of grain, the man suddenly falls ill and dies. The preacher emphasizes the importance of considering one's choices and their consequences, both in the past and for the future. He urges the audience to prioritize moral considerations and to listen to the voice of God, who calls us to examine our ways.
My Own Resurrection
By Francis Chan4.6K33:17PRO 30:8MAT 10:39MAT 13:44LUK 9:23LUK 23:34ACT 2:38ROM 5:81CO 1:18REV 1:17This sermon emphasizes the power of God, particularly focusing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the transformative impact it can have on individuals. It delves into the concept of surrendering to Jesus, highlighting the contrast between those who find the power of God compelling and those who struggle with the idea of surrender and judgment. The speaker shares personal stories and biblical references to illustrate the profound change that comes with accepting Jesus and experiencing His forgiveness and love.
Baptism
By Jacob Prasch4.6K29:14BaptismJER 31:31MAT 3:7MAT 28:19MRK 16:16ACT 2:38COL 2:12In this sermon, Jacob Prast discusses the topic of baptism, specifically focusing on water baptism. He references Colossians 2:12, which speaks about being buried with Jesus in baptism and being raised up with him through faith. Prast emphasizes the importance of personal acceptance of Jesus and rejects the idea of God having grandchildren. He also mentions Matthew 3:7, where John the Baptist confronts the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism. Prast explains that water baptism symbolizes a funeral and resurrection, referencing Romans 6:1-4. He emphasizes that Christians should have already experienced their own funeral through water baptism.
Beyond Messianic Judaism
By Art Katz4.1K57:29Messianic JudaismDEU 30:1MAT 6:33MRK 1:15LUK 24:47ACT 2:38ROM 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching and proclaiming the word of God to bring about spiritual transformation in communities. He highlights the need for repentance toward God as a prerequisite for Jews to come to faith in Jesus Christ. The speaker also emphasizes the significance of the grace of God in salvation and the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to study the Scriptures, particularly Leviticus and Deuteronomy, to understand the condition of the Jewish people and the need for repentance.
Miracles Are a Must!
By Andrew Strom4.1K1:19:00MiraclesMAT 28:19MRK 16:16LUK 4:18ACT 2:381CO 14:26GAL 3:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of embodying the mission of Jesus in our lives. He highlights four key aspects of Jesus' mission: preaching the gospel, ministering to the poor, healing the sick, and casting out demons. The preacher emphasizes that these four elements are essential for a New Testament preacher and Christianity. He also emphasizes the significance of street preachers and the need to value and support them. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of small group meetings and the power of prophetic utterances in those gatherings.
Heaven and Hell
By C.H. Spurgeon4.1K53:39NUM 21:8PRO 14:12MAT 7:13MAT 8:11MRK 16:16LUK 13:3ACT 2:38In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of repentance and putting one's trust in Jesus. He warns that there is no security in earthly things and that everyone, regardless of age, is susceptible to death. The preacher shares a personal experience of witnessing the sudden death of a seemingly healthy man, highlighting the unpredictability of life. He vividly describes the consequences of rejecting God's mercy and the torment of hell. The sermon concludes with an exhortation to weigh the truth of God's word and to seek the road to heaven.
Being to Familar With Christ - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english)
By David Wilkerson3.9K2:37:02Familiar With ChristISA 61:1MAT 9:12MAT 11:28MAT 25:40LUK 4:18LUK 4:21ACT 2:38In this sermon, Pastor David shares a powerful testimony of how God transformed the lives of Mary and James, who were once homeless and struggling with addiction. Through God's intervention, Mary and James experienced physical and emotional healing, and their lives were completely changed. They dedicated their lives to serving God and making a difference in the lives of others. Despite facing challenges and the loss of James, Mary continued to carry on their ministry until her passing. The sermon emphasizes the love of Jesus and the transformative power of the gospel.
Following Jesus: The Straight Gate
By Hans R. Waldvogel3.7K23:43Following JesusPSA 119:9JHN 6:63JHN 14:3ACT 2:38ROM 8:141CO 11:1EPH 5:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a follower of Jesus Christ. He highlights that Jesus is the only way to the Father and without Him, no one can be reconciled to God. The preacher discusses how humanity has been seeking the way through various philosophies and fields of study, but ultimately, it is only through Jesus that salvation is found. He urges the listeners to examine their own faith and ensure that they are truly following Jesus, rather than relying on religious practices or the company of other believers. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the road to destruction is wide, but the way of life is narrow and requires repentance and surrender to God.
Immersion in the Spirit - Part 2
By Derek Prince3.6K28:12JHN 7:37ACT 2:38This sermon emphasizes the importance of receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, highlighting the need for repentance, thirst, coming to Jesus, asking, receiving, and yielding to the Holy Spirit. It discusses the supernatural power received through the Holy Spirit, the unity it brings to believers, and the physical manifestations that can accompany this experience.
(Basics) 9. the Gift of the Holy Spirit
By Zac Poonen3.4K12:51ACT 2:38ROM 3:23EPH 2:8HEB 4:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses two problems that all human beings face: guilt and failures from the past, and concerns about the future. The good news of the Bible is that God has made provision for both. Through Christ's death on the cross, God has provided forgiveness for our past sins. Additionally, through the Holy Spirit, God offers us grace and power to overcome future temptations and trials. The speaker encourages listeners to come boldly to God, believing in His provision for both their past and future, and to ask for the filling of the Holy Spirit.
The Provision of Grace
By Paris Reidhead3.3K42:39Grace Of GodGEN 22:2MAT 6:33ACT 2:38ACT 9:17GAL 2:20EPH 3:17In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes the scene of the apostle Paul dictating a letter from prison in Rome. Despite being chained to soldiers, Paul raises his hands and passionately declares that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. The speaker also discusses the use of cassette tapes as a new way to disseminate God's truth and suggests that busy people can listen to sermons while driving. The sermon concludes with a humorous anecdote about a missionary conference and the benefits of using tapes for ministry.
(A Divine Visitation) Man's Great Hope - Part 1
By Richard Owen Roberts3.1K1:02:24MAT 6:33LUK 1:5LUK 1:46ACT 2:38ACT 3:13ACT 3:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of divine visitations. He mentions that he initially struggled with how to handle the topic, but ultimately decided to give a series of four messages on it. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about his parents' conversion and their spiritual journey. He then delves into the biblical passage of Zacharias composing a song about God's visitation in the form of the horn of salvation and the sunrise from on high. The speaker emphasizes the importance of true conversion and the need for brokenness and contrition in order to turn towards Jesus Christ.
Healing and Tongues
By Kenneth Wuest2.9K45:48ISA 28:11MAT 11:2ACT 2:38In this sermon, the preacher discusses three topics: divine healing, speaking in tongues, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts. The first point focuses on an example of divine healing found in Acts chapter 3, where Peter and John encounter a man who had been crippled since birth. The preacher explains that the elders of the church were called in to pray for this person because his illness was a result of God's disciplinary action due to sin in his life. The second topic explores the concept of speaking in tongues, referencing Isaiah 28 and 1 Corinthians, which suggest that when Israel is disobedient, God may use a language unfamiliar to them as a means of dealing with them. The final topic discusses the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the early church, emphasizing the idea of believers being controlled by the Holy Spirit in their daily lives. This is supported by references to Acts chapter 4 and 6, where it is mentioned that the believers were controlled by the Holy Spirit during prayer and in their actions.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Peter said unto them, Repent - Μετανοησατε; Humble yourselves before God, and deeply deplore the sins you have committed; pray earnestly for mercy, and deprecate the displeasure of incensed justice. For a definition of repentance, see on Mat 3:2 (note). And be baptized every one of you - Take on you the public profession of the religion of Christ, by being baptized in his name; and thus acknowledge yourselves to be his disciples and servants. For the remission of sins - Εις αφεσιν ἁμαρτιων, In reference to the remission or removal of sins: baptism pointing out the purifying influences of the Holy Spirit; and it is in reference to that purification that it is administered, and should in consideration never be separated from it. For baptism itself purifies not the conscience; it only points out the grace by which this is to be done. Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost - If ye faithfully use the sign, ye shall get the substance. Receive the baptism, in reference to the removal of sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, by whose agency alone the efficacy of the blood of the covenant is applied, and by whose refining power the heart is purified. It was by being baptized in the name of Christ that men took upon themselves the profession of Christianity; and it was in consequence of this that the disciples of Christ were called Christians.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Repent--The word denotes change of mind, and here includes the reception of the Gospel as the proper issue of that revolution of mind which they were then undergoing. baptized . . . for the remission of sins--as the visible seal of that remission.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Either of the Messiah, and salvation by him, which was particularly given forth to the people of the Jews; or of the remission of sins, which was a branch of the covenant made with the house of Israel, in a spiritual sense, even the whole household of God; or of the pouring forth of the Spirit: and this promise was not only to them, but to theirs, even to as many of them as belonged to the election of grace; and whom the Lord their God would effectually call by his grace, as the last and limiting clause of the text, and which is to be connected with every part of it, shows: and to your children: this is the rather mentioned, because these awakened, and converted souls, were not only in great concern about themselves, for their sin of crucifying Christ, but were in great distress about their children, on whom they had imprecated the guilt of Christ's blood, as upon themselves; the thought of which cut them to the heart, and made their hearts bleed, within them: wherefore to relieve them, and administer comfort to them in this their distress, the apostle informs them, that the promise of Christ, and of his grace, was not only to them, who were now called, but it was also to their children; to as many of them as the Lord God should call; and who are the children of the promise, which all the children of the flesh were not, Rom 9:6 and to these the promise should be applied, notwithstanding this dreadful imprecation of theirs: and to all that are afar off; either in place, as those that were dispersed, among the several nations of the world; and so carried in it a comfortable aspect on the multitude of Jews, that were of every nation under heaven; or in time, who should live in ages to come; or else the Gentiles are intended, who were afar off from God and Christ, and the way of life and salvation by him; see Eph 2:12 even as many as the Lord our God shall call: not externally only, by the ministry of the word, but internally, by his grace and Spirit; with that calling, which is according to the purpose and grace of God, and is inseparably connected with eternal glory; the promise is to all such, and is made good to all such, whether they be Jews or Gentiles, fathers, or children, greater or lesser sinners. The Syriac version reads, "whom God himself shall call".