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What’s the Most Important Part of Acts 2:38?
Everything in Acts 2:38 is important, whether it is the command to repent (not a request), the command to be baptized (not a suggestion), or understanding the purpose which is “for – that is moving into – the forgiveness of sins”. However, the most important is found in the phrase “in the name of Jesus Christ”. In the narrative of Acts 2, that is
- In the name of one attested to by God (2:22)
- In the name of one proven by miracles, wonders, and signs (2:22)
- In the name of Jesus whom God raised up (2:24,32)
- In the name of the king (2:30)
- In the name of the one sitting at the right hand of God (2:33)
- In the name of Him who poured out the Holy Spirit (2:33)
- In the name of Jesus whom God made both Lord and Messiah (2:36)
Can you see why “in the name of Jesus Christ” is so important?
Repentance is nothing and neither is baptism if not “in the name of Jesus Christ”. That means because of the one mentioned in that phrase, repentance and baptism have meaning and are empowered.
The “plan of salvation” is not what we do but is Jesus Christ. And when something we do is in His name, it is as powerful as Peter and John healing a man lame for 40 years: “let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead — by him this man is standing here before you healthy” (CSB Acts 4:10).
In the Acts 3 scene, tell me where the power is:
- In the man looking at Peter and John? (3:4)
- In Peter who said, “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” (3:6)
- In Peter taking him by the right hand? (3:7)
- In the one glorified when Peter said, “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth? (3:8-9)
Later when questioned by the religious authorities, Peter said, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved” (4:12). Connect these two thoughts:
- “Salvation in no one else” (4:12) and “What must we do?” (2:37)
- “there is no other name by which we must be saved” (4:12) and “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins” (2:38)
Was what Peter and John did important did to the lame man important? Yes. Why? Because it was in the name of Jesus. Is what the lame man did important? Yes. Why? Because it was in the name of Jesus. Is what the crowd on Pentecost did important? Yes. Why? Because by the name of Jesus Christ, repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins gives us freedom and life from the Holy Spirit. Have you repented and been baptized for the forgiveness of sins…in the name of Jesus Christ?
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