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Acts 2:37-38

Primary
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.

What this passage establishes

The first post-resurrection gospel audience responds to conviction through repentance, baptism, and the promised Spirit.

Why it matters in the argument

Grace is God’s saving source, Christ’s death and resurrection are the saving event, and living faith is the means of reception. Biblical obedience responds to grace; it does not purchase it.

Apostolic connection

The gospel pattern is Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Acts 2:38 gives the covenant response: repentance, burial with Christ in baptism, and new life by the Spirit.

Common misunderstanding

The Bible’s rejection of meritorious works does not turn commanded faith-response into unbelieving human merit. Scripture can oppose works of law while demanding obedience of faith.

How to use it in conversation

Clarify source, event, and response: saved by grace, through faith, because of Christ, in the obedient response God commands.

Scripture connections

See which passages advance, clarify, or answer the argument

Continue this argument

Acts 2:39Continue the The New Birth argument with the next passage.Acts 3:19Continue the Repentance argument with the next passage.

Supporting Scriptures

Acts 8:14-17This later passage reinforces the same argument from another angle.Acts 17:30This later passage reinforces the same argument from another angle.

Earlier in the argument

John 3:8Return to the prior step in The New Birth.Luke 24:46-47Return to the prior step in Repentance.

Nearby curated context

Acts 2:36The crucified Jesus is installed openly as Lord and Messiah in His exalted human office.Acts 2:32-36God raises and exalts Jesus, fulfilling Psalm 110 and installing the crucified Messiah in royal authority.Acts 2:39The promise attached to Acts 2:38 extends to children, distant people, and all whom God calls.Acts 2:41Those who gladly received the apostolic word were baptized and added to the church.