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What Does Acts 2:38 Mean?

Does Acts 2:38 teach that one is to repent and be baptized "for the remission of sins" or is it to be done "in order to the remission of sins?" The latter is what most preachers are teaching. But Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life..." (John 5:39a; Acts 17:11). The truth regarding what this text teaches is very important. One of the best ways to determine what a text means is to read it from several different reputable versions. Virtually all of them either say "...for the remission of sins" or "...unto the remission of sins."

Another way to determine the meaning of the text is by comparing the phrase "for remission of sins" (eis aphesin amartion) to how the exact same phrase is used in Matt. 26:28, where Jesus said, "My blood of the new testament which is shed for many FOR REMISSION OF SINS" (eis aphesin amartion). Christ did not shed his blood because remission of sins had been provided, but in order that remission of sins could be provided. Likewise baptism is administered to one so that he might obtain remission of sins rather than because he has had remission of sins. It is done in order to receive that remission of sins which was made available by the death of Christ (Rom. 6:3,4,17,18; Col. 2:12,13.)

Have you been baptized? If so, what was the reason you did it? Were you taught that baptism is merely to show that you have been saved? Understand that most preachers will not baptize a person "for the remission of sins" despite the apparent teaching of our text. In verse 41 of this same chapter (Acts 2) we see that "...They that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." And we see from verse 47 that the Lord continues to add those he saves to His church.

Scriptural baptism necessitates an understanding prior to the act (Acts 8:30-40). In a case where there had been a misunderstanding, or lack of understanding, disciples were baptized again after their instruction (Acts 19:1-6).

God didn't leave us to wonder as to the exact point that we become Christians. If we trust and obey what he says, for the reason intended, there can be no doubt that when we rise from the water God has forgiven us of our sins (1 Pet. 3:21). Our confidence will then be based upon his promise-not our feelings.

By Art Loeber

What Does Acts 2:38 Mean?

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