Acts 2:38 is our perfect antidote to the False teachers of Hyper-Dispensationalists and Works Based Gospel
Acts 2:38
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
I received the following question on Quora this morning.
Randy Sheets
Blood bought born again Christian. Lifetime studying Bible.
What is your interpretation of the Bible verse Acts 2:38?
My response:
I reviewed at least 15 web pages using XAI Grok3 to provide a summary of an in depth scope of Commentary from several Bible scholars on Acts 2:38. I provide their analysis in notes below.
My commentary is as follows:
For essential background studies to substantiate my commentary please read and study these links:
Let Us EXAMINE Ourselves #Gospel #KJV #Godhead
In the most simplistic terms, I can find I summarize Acts 2:38 as follows:
Acts 2:38 and the Introduction of the New Dispensation of the Age of Grace
The verse Acts 2:38 in the King James Bible gives us a profound and compelling snapshot of the beginning of the new dispensation known as the Age of Grace or the Church Age.
This pivotal moment in Scripture highlights the transition from the old dispensation to the new, underscoring that each dispensation begins with a phase of gradual change. As the former fades, the new emerges, bringing with it divine revelation and instruction for believers.
"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." – Acts 2:38 (KJV)
This verse is rich with meaning, offering insight not only into the transition period between dispensations but also into the future of the Church, including those who will come to faith during the Tribulation period following the rapture of the Church.
My interpretation of Acts 2:38, rooted exclusively in the King James Bible, challenges modern biblical scholars by refusing to rely on the dissection of Greek words. Instead, I embrace the harmony of Scripture, interpreting Acts 2:38 in light of the entire Bible's testimony.
Harmonizing Acts 2:38 with the Kingdom Gospel
Acts 2:38 aligns perfectly with the Kingdom Gospel preached by John the Baptist, which proclaimed the imminent arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven. John’s message was clear: "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." – Matthew 3:2 (KJV)
This Kingdom Gospel focused on repentance, baptism, and the preparation for the coming King. The message in Acts 2:38 mirrors this call to repentance and baptism, providing continuity between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Church Age.
The Gospel of Grace Introduced
Acts 2:38 also foreshadows the Gospel of Grace - of course we know this is before the MYSTERY of the Church is revealed to Paul from Jesus Christ. However, we know that Acts 2:38 is a foreshadowing of the MYSTERY and definitely the beginning or BIRTH of the Church age as evidenced by the reception of the Holy Ghost.
The GOSPEL of GRACE is BELIEVE ALONE - to be saved. BELIEVE that Jesus Christ DIED on the Cross for our Sins according to the scriptures, He was Buried, and He Rose Again on the 3rd Day according to the Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJB.
See my detailed study on really understanding the word BELIEVE:
Paul would later describe how TRUE REPENTANCE happens only by the Holy Spirit who produces “Godly Sorrow that works repentance” in 2 Corinthians 7:10 KJB. And We will later get clear understanding by Paul that the moment we are saved we receive the Holy Spirit - who is the Spirit of God - who is the Spirit of Christ himself in Romans 8:9 KJB. And in even more detail in
Ephesians 1:13-14 (KJV), which says:
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."
The outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2 signals the beginning of the Church Age and prefigures the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that characterizes the Gospel of Grace. This moment bridges the Old and New Covenants, uniting the prophetic “spiritual fulfillment” of the Kingdom Gospel with the divine revelation of grace through Jesus Christ. Note: I fully realize that the LITERAL fulfillment of the Kingdom will take place in the Millennial Kingdom. See my Millennial Kingdom study:
Acts 2 and the Prophecy of Joel 2
Furthermore, Acts 2 serves as a witness to the prophecy in Joel Chapter 2 concerning the Day of the Lord. Peter, addressing the crowd in Jerusalem, declares: "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel." – Acts 2:16 (KJV)
Joel's prophecy outlines events tied to the Tribulation period and the ultimate judgment of God. Acts 2:38, while marking the inauguration of the Church Age, also anticipates the future Tribulation when many will come to faith despite the chaos and judgment unfolding on earth.
Sadly too many fall into the ABC Salvation Trap using Romans 10:9 as a requirement for SALVATION. We must understand that Romans 10:9 harmonizes perfectly with Acts 2:21 and Joel 2:32 but NOT 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and Ephesians 2:8,9 KJB.
Conclusion
In summary, Acts 2:38 is a cornerstone verse that encapsulates the transition into the Age of Grace while preserving the harmony of Scripture. By interpreting the verse within the broader biblical context, we recognize its connections to the Kingdom Gospel, the foreshadowing of grace, and the fulfillment of prophecy. This method of scriptural harmonization underscores the unity of God’s Word and its transformative power across all dispensations.
Regarding prevailing Bible Commentary:
I urge the reader and student of the King James Bible to look at the prevailing scholarship and compare with my analysis.
I have seen this happen more often than not in my years of study of the King James Bible.
It is of no surprise that all of the top listed theologians have good points and bring out the deeper things of this scripture, however all of them have missed the mark in that they fail to take the Entire Word of God in the King James Bible into account. Noted that Matthew Henry a theologian I greatly admired lived over 150 years ago and use the King James Bible exclusively but he even takes a very narrow view of this scripture and deprives the student of a panoramic view of scripture, hence opening the door to wolves creeping in and adding leaven.
The reason I take such pain in providing this background is because this scripture has caused me a great deal of heartache during my years of teaching the King James Bible because it is used a “go to” reference by so many false teachers in both the Hyper-Dispensational Camp, The Hyper-Grace Camp, and especially the WORKS Based Gospel Camp. Note: Most of the Hyper-Grace crowd is also found in the Hyper-Dispensationalist camp.
God’s word is clear that DOCTRINE requires us knowing, studying ALL of the Bible for doctrine - 2 Timothy 3:16 KJB because of the SPIRITUAL NATURE of supernaturally connecting and interweaving scripture together for the twofold purpose as a witness - Matthew 18:16 KJB.
Acts 2:38 in the King James Version (KJV) reads:
"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."
Below, I’ll highlight some of the most respected and widely recommended scholarly commentaries on Acts 2:38, focusing on those that engage deeply with the text, its Greek underpinnings, and its theological implications, while keeping the KJV rendering in view. These are drawn from evangelical, conservative scholarship with a high regard for the biblical text, as this aligns with the interest in the KJV.
Top Scholarly Commentaries on Acts 2:38 (KJV)
F.F. Bruce – The Book of Acts (New International Commentary on the New Testament, NICNT)
Why it’s highly regarded: F.F. Bruce was a leading New Testament scholar known for his meticulous work in Greek and his balanced, accessible style. His commentary on Acts is considered a gold standard for its exegetical depth and historical context.
On Acts 2:38: Bruce emphasizes the sequence of Peter’s instructions—repentance and baptism "in the name of Jesus Christ" as linked to forgiveness and the subsequent gift of the Holy Spirit. He notes the Greek phrase eis aphesin hamartiōn ("for the remission of sins") and argues it indicates purpose or result, not merely a symbolic act. Bruce connects this to the broader Pentecostal outpouring, seeing it as the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy (Acts 2:17-21). He also highlights the early church’s practice of baptism as an immediate response to faith, a point resonant with the KJV’s straightforward wording.
Strength: Combines scholarly rigor with clarity, making it useful for both academics and lay readers.
KJV Connection: Bruce respects the traditional rendering and engages with its implications without pushing modern paraphrases.
Darrell L. Bock – Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, BECNT)
Why it’s highly regarded: Bock’s work is a modern heavyweight, known for its detailed exegesis and theological reflection. It’s a favorite among scholars for its interaction with the Greek text and contemporary scholarship.
On Acts 2:38: Bock unpacks the Greek terms metanoeō ("repent") and baptisthētō ("be baptized"), noting their imperative force in Peter’s sermon. He interprets "for the remission of sins" as indicating that repentance and baptism are human responses tied to God’s promise of forgiveness, though he cautions against viewing baptism as mechanically effecting salvation apart from faith. Bock sees the gift of the Holy Spirit as both a sign of the new covenant and empowerment for the church’s mission, aligning with the KJV’s emphasis on the Spirit’s immediacy.
Strength: Deeply analytical, with attention to grammar, syntax, and theological debates (e.g., baptism’s role in salvation).
KJV Connection: While based on the Greek, Bock’s explanations align well with the KJV’s phrasing and theological tone.
David G. Peterson – The Acts of the Apostles (Pillar New Testament Commentary, PNTC)
Why it’s highly regarded: Peterson offers a robust, evangelical perspective with a focus on theology and application, grounded in careful exegesis.
On Acts 2:38: Peterson stresses the corporate and individual dimensions of Peter’s call—repentance as a change of heart toward Christ, and baptism as a public pledge of allegiance "in the name of Jesus Christ." He interprets "for the remission of sins" as a goal or outcome of this response, not a condition independent of faith. The promise of the Holy Spirit, he argues, marks the new age of salvation, fulfilling Old Testament hopes (e.g., Ezekiel 36:26-27). Peterson ties this to the KJV’s language of "remission" as a release from sin’s penalty.
Strength: Balances scholarly depth with pastoral insight, making it widely accessible.
KJV Connection: Resonates with the KJV’s focus on sin’s forgiveness and the Spirit’s transformative gift.
James Burton Coffman – Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible
Why it’s highly regarded: Coffman’s work is a classic, conservative commentary rooted in the KJV, offering verse-by-verse analysis with a straightforward approach.
On Acts 2:38: Coffman defends the traditional understanding that repentance and baptism are prerequisites for forgiveness and receiving the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the KJV’s "for the remission of sins" as meaning "in order to obtain" forgiveness. He resists efforts to downplay baptism’s significance, arguing it’s integral to the apostolic pattern. His tone is unapologetically aligned with a high view of scriptural authority.
Strength: Uncompromising fidelity to the KJV text, with a clear, no-nonsense style.
KJV Connection: Written with the KJV as its base, making it a natural fit for your question.
Matthew Henry – Commentary on the Whole Bible
Why it’s highly regarded: Though older (early 18th century), Matthew Henry’s commentary remains a beloved resource for its devotional depth and practical wisdom, widely used by scholars and preachers alike.
On Acts 2:38: Henry sees Peter’s words as a direct gospel call—repentance as sorrow for sin and turning to God, baptism as a seal of that commitment, and the Holy Spirit as the promised blessing. He interprets "for the remission of sins" as the purpose of the act, tying it to Christ’s authority. Henry’s focus is less technical but rich in spiritual application, reflecting the KJV’s cadence and intent.
Strength: Offers a warm, pastoral lens that complements more technical works.
KJV Connection: Written in the KJV era, it mirrors its language and theological assumptions.
Recommendation
If you’re seeking the "best" commentary specifically for Acts 2:38 in the KJV from a scholarly perspective, F.F. Bruce’s The Book of Acts (NICNT) stands out as the top choice. It combines rigorous Greek analysis, historical context, and theological clarity while respecting the traditional rendering of the KJV. For a more modern, exhaustive option, Darrell L. Bock’s Acts (BECNT) is exceptional, though it’s denser. If you prefer a commentary explicitly tied to the KJV with a conservative slant, James Burton Coffman’s work is a strong contender.
Each of these scholars engages Acts 2:38 as a pivotal moment in the early church, where Peter lays out the response to the gospel—repentance, baptism, forgiveness, and the Spirit’s gift—echoing the KJV’s powerful simplicity. Bruce’s balance of depth and accessibility makes it the most broadly acclaimed, but all five offer valuable insights depending on your needs.
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