The Message of Repentance

Introduction

We must exercise caution in our interpretation of the scriptures.

We must also permit the scriptures to point us in the direction we need to consider or think.

We cannot get wrapped up into denominationalism that it makes us miss the teaching of the scriptures.

At the outset, we should understand that baptism is not a sacrament that confers salvation.

Hopefully, this should be plain from the absence of any scriptures that parallel Acts 2:38.

We should also see that Peter and his audience discuss matters relevant for them instead of us.

Peter’s Bold Claim

Peter brought his audience to one final, dramatic point.

Notice that he makes it as a statement of assurance, and he addresses it to the “house of Israel.”

God did not make Jesus Lord and Messiah as though Jesus did not deserve these titles previously.

The quotation and claim from Ps. 16, cited earlier, makes this plain.

David was foreseeing the Messiah, not the process of how one would become/be made the Messiah.

Messiah, then, would experience death and resurrection.

God’s holy one was resurrected because of his inherent holiness not in order to be made “God’s holy one.”

Peter reminded his audience what they had done to their Lord and Messiah just 50 days ago.

They crucified him.

This follows Peter’s reminder that they executed Jesus in collaboration with the Gentiles.

This has implications for the people of Israel.

The Crowd’s Fearful Question

Peter’s words pierced the crowd.

The term implies the people now experienced terror.

What are the possibilities here?

Jesus warned of the destruction of the city of Jerusalem for rejecting him.

Lk. 13:34-35.

Lk. 19:41-44.

The context will clarify that these Peter understands them to be concerned about having opposed God.

What should we do, they ask.

Based on the context, the following possibilities seem plausible:

What should we do to prevent God’s punishment from coming upon us for crucifying the Messiah?

What should we do to receive the Holy Spirit.

Introduction (Part 2):

Expressive individualism and Judaism contra the message of Jesus and the Apostles.

Tonight, we should return to Dt. 32 to complete the reading there because what becomes obvious is a concern about judgment.

Peter equates his own generation with the generation Moses spoke about in Dt. 32.

They set themselves against God.

This was a worry for Jesus’ generation, and it explains why people like the Pharisees practiced assiduous casuistry.

Peter’s explanation for what needed to be done rejects notions of Judaism’s superiority and admonishes the crowd to see Jesus in a new way.

The Gospel calls for this.

Note Romans Romans 10:1-13.

We should also think about the importance of baptism, and although it does not save us, it is important to ou public devotion to Jesus.

Peter’s Simple Response

Now we will need to exercise caution as we think about what Peter says.

He gives a two-fold response unique not only for Acts but for the remainder of the New Testament.

Repent: a change of mind that leads to a change of action/lifestyle.

In this discussion, they need to change their minds about:

Jesus’s identity.

How they treated him.

God

The inherent righteousness of Jewishness.

Be baptized each one of you.

Acts 2:41 makes it unmistakeable that water baptism is in view.

Of real significance, however, is the individual focus.

Baptism, in Acts, will not be spoken of in this way again.

Note Acts 5:31, 10:43, 13:38, 26:18.

In the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins.

The point is complete association with Jesus based upon changing their minds about his importance and identity.

It is Jesus who provides forgiveness of sins.

We must, however, identify with him.

Baptism is essential for publicly pledging our association with Jesus.

New Testament speakers and writers do not envision people who claim salvation but who have not publicly identified with him.

This is often complex for modern audiences conditioned by 19th-20th century doctrinal disputes.

Peter assures the audience that they have time to become participants, sharers in Christ’s fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit.

It is for both Jews in the homeland and for the Diaspora.

Peter might mean Gentiles, but based on Acts 10, he also may not have that understanding just yet.

Note that Luke makes it clear that he is capturing the meaning of Peter’s message rather than providing, at least at this point, a complete quotation of every word.

He gives the gist.

Peter understands the worry in terms of Dt. 31:24-32:27.