2:38
“Repent and be baptised”. Peter gave them a very clear answer. Some people argue about the exact order of the work of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life and of repentance. We should note that the Bible does not seem to concern itself overly much with these matters, and when the Holy Spirit works in a person's life He gives “agency” to that person. Moreover, one of the marks of the work of the Spirit in our life is repentance. So we should repent! Moreover, we should call on people to repent, that is part of the proclamation we are commanded to make. We are also called to be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Then there is the promise that we will receive the Holy Spirit.
2:39
Peter then tells them that “the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off”. This was not a one off situation, but the way that things would work from now on. It would cover all future generations, and would reach to the whole earth. In Deut 30:19,20 Moses’s charge to Israel applies to future generations, here the applicability is extended to all people. “For all whom the Lord your God will call”. We have to make a response, and should call on others to do so, but the initiative lies with the Lord.
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