Peter proclaims the resurrection of Christ in Acts 2:22–36, emphasizing that Jesus' resurrection fulfills prophecy. This moment marks the beginning of the Church, with Peter stepping into the role of a pastor. The devout Jews, upon hearing Peter’s message, are deeply convicted and "cut to the heart" (Acts 2:37). In response, Peter instructs them to change their minds concerning Jesus (Acts 2:38).
Addressing them directly, Peter declares, “Change your minds and be immersed, each one of you, on the basis of the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness (sending away) of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Understanding the use of the preposition εἰς (into, because of) in Acts 2:38 is crucial. English translations often use the word "for," which has multiple nuances, leading to different interpretations. "For" can indicate purpose, benefit, cause, direction, or several other meanings. However, diligent study of the Greek text clarifies Peter's intent.
The Greek preposition εἰς can mean "into," "unto," "with reference to," "because of," or "against." In expressing purpose, it typically accompanies an infinitive, which is absent in Acts 2:38. Thus, the preposition must indicate direction, reference, or cause. Since Peter is neither directing nor referring to something, the causal meaning is most appropriate. This confirms that Acts 2:38 does not suggest a change of mind to gain salvation but rather a change of mind because of the forgiveness of sins already provided through Christ’s resurrection.
Jesus’ resurrection confirms the sending away of sins and fulfills God’s redemptive plan. Peter calls the Jews to acknowledge this reality and change their minds accordingly. Colossians 1:14 states that through Christ, we have the forgiveness of sins, and Romans 4:25 affirms that we are justified because of His resurrection. Paul further clarifies in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 that the gospel—Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection—brings salvation. This message is inherently powerful (Romans 1:16) and is the means through which God begets believers (1 Corinthians 4:15). Therefore, salvation does not come through remorse over sins but through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection.
The causal use of εἰς is evident in other passages. In Matthew 12:41, the men of Nineveh changed their minds because of Jonah’s proclamation, not in order to receive it. Similarly, in Matthew 3:11, John baptized because of repentance, not for the purpose of causing repentance. In 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Paul uses εἰς with the infinitive to indicate Timothy was sent for the purpose of knowing their faith. However, Acts 2:38 lacks the infinitive construction, reinforcing its causal meaning. If Luke had intended to convey that repentance and baptism were required for obtaining forgiveness, he would have used the infinitive of "forgive" with εἰς to clearly indicate purpose. This grammatical principle is well-documented in A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament by Dana and Mantey (p. 104).
Peter commands the Jews to be immersed in the name of Jesus Christ, the Resurrected and Glorified One (Acts 2:38). This immersion is because of the sending away of sin, not for the purpose of having sins sent away. Those who follow this instruction will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise of the Spirit extends to all Jews (Acts 2:39). Peter continues to testify and exhort them with many words (Acts 2:40), and about three thousand souls are added to the Church that day (Acts 2:41).
Following this, the apostles and believing Jews meet daily in the temple (Acts 2:42–47). They steadfastly continue in the doctrine of the apostles, not the doctrine of the law (Acts 2:42). Jesus introduced a new commandment (John 13:34) and imparted essential teaching in the upper room. The apostles perform many signs and wonders (Acts 2:43). The early believers share their possessions in common (Acts 2:44), though this practice was neither instituted by God nor directed by the Holy Spirit.
They continue meeting daily, breaking bread from house to house (Acts 2:46). However, this breaking of bread does not indicate house churches; the believers still gather in the temple. The early Church enjoys favor among those in Jerusalem and does not cause an uproar. They maintain a good reputation, and their numbers grow daily as more people believe (Acts 2:47).
Addressing them directly, Peter declares, “Change your minds and be immersed, each one of you, on the basis of the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness (sending away) of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Understanding the use of the preposition εἰς (into, because of) in Acts 2:38 is crucial. English translations often use the word "for," which has multiple nuances, leading to different interpretations. "For" can indicate purpose, benefit, cause, direction, or several other meanings. However, diligent study of the Greek text clarifies Peter's intent.
The Greek preposition εἰς can mean "into," "unto," "with reference to," "because of," or "against." In expressing purpose, it typically accompanies an infinitive, which is absent in Acts 2:38. Thus, the preposition must indicate direction, reference, or cause. Since Peter is neither directing nor referring to something, the causal meaning is most appropriate. This confirms that Acts 2:38 does not suggest a change of mind to gain salvation but rather a change of mind because of the forgiveness of sins already provided through Christ’s resurrection.
Jesus’ resurrection confirms the sending away of sins and fulfills God’s redemptive plan. Peter calls the Jews to acknowledge this reality and change their minds accordingly. Colossians 1:14 states that through Christ, we have the forgiveness of sins, and Romans 4:25 affirms that we are justified because of His resurrection. Paul further clarifies in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 that the gospel—Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection—brings salvation. This message is inherently powerful (Romans 1:16) and is the means through which God begets believers (1 Corinthians 4:15). Therefore, salvation does not come through remorse over sins but through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection.
The causal use of εἰς is evident in other passages. In Matthew 12:41, the men of Nineveh changed their minds because of Jonah’s proclamation, not in order to receive it. Similarly, in Matthew 3:11, John baptized because of repentance, not for the purpose of causing repentance. In 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Paul uses εἰς with the infinitive to indicate Timothy was sent for the purpose of knowing their faith. However, Acts 2:38 lacks the infinitive construction, reinforcing its causal meaning. If Luke had intended to convey that repentance and baptism were required for obtaining forgiveness, he would have used the infinitive of "forgive" with εἰς to clearly indicate purpose. This grammatical principle is well-documented in A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament by Dana and Mantey (p. 104).
Peter commands the Jews to be immersed in the name of Jesus Christ, the Resurrected and Glorified One (Acts 2:38). This immersion is because of the sending away of sin, not for the purpose of having sins sent away. Those who follow this instruction will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise of the Spirit extends to all Jews (Acts 2:39). Peter continues to testify and exhort them with many words (Acts 2:40), and about three thousand souls are added to the Church that day (Acts 2:41).
Following this, the apostles and believing Jews meet daily in the temple (Acts 2:42–47). They steadfastly continue in the doctrine of the apostles, not the doctrine of the law (Acts 2:42). Jesus introduced a new commandment (John 13:34) and imparted essential teaching in the upper room. The apostles perform many signs and wonders (Acts 2:43). The early believers share their possessions in common (Acts 2:44), though this practice was neither instituted by God nor directed by the Holy Spirit.
They continue meeting daily, breaking bread from house to house (Acts 2:46). However, this breaking of bread does not indicate house churches; the believers still gather in the temple. The early Church enjoys favor among those in Jerusalem and does not cause an uproar. They maintain a good reputation, and their numbers grow daily as more people believe (Acts 2:47).