Title: "What Shall We Do" (Acts 2:37-39)
Introduction:
In reflecting on St. John Chrysostom's commentary on the gentleness of Peter, we come to appreciate the profound impact of gentle rebuke over vehement accusation. Chrysostom illuminates how gentleness can sting our hearts more deeply than harsh words. He compares it to a body that has become callous: a blow may not be felt strongly, but even a tiny stab can be profoundly influential once softened. Peter exemplified this principle in his approach to those who crucified Christ. Rather than attacking them with wrath or harsh reproach, Peter gently reminded them of their actions without adding harsh commentary. By speaking of the gift of God and extending grace, Peter's words resonated powerfully. This gentleness, akin to that of a father or caring teacher, made people profoundly realize their past behavior and self-condemnation. As we delve into Acts 2:37-39, we see the effectiveness of Peter's gentle approach, which led to a profound response from his listeners.
Acts 2:37-39(NKJV):
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men andbrethren, what shall we do?”
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the [a]remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Verses 38-39 of Acts 2 provide a rich theological understanding of Peter's message, emphasizing a three-step process and reflecting a Trinitarian formula. When the people, moved by Peter's words, asked, "What shall we do?" Peter responded with a clear and profound directive:
1. Repentance: Peter begins with a call to repentance, urging the people to turn away from their sins and change their hearts, echoing John the Baptist's call to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2) and reflects the consistent biblical theme of repentance as the first step toward reconciliation with God.
2. Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ: Peter's next step is baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. This act symbolizes the believer's union with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4), signifying a cleansing from sin and the beginning of a new life. It also highlights the authority and centrality of Jesus in the salvation process, as Jesus commanded in the Great Commission: "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthe8:19).
3. Receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit: Finally, Peter promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who repent and are baptized. This gift fulfills Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-29) and Jesus' promise in John 14:16-17 that the Holy Spirit would be given to guide, comfort, and empower believers. The presence of the Holy Spirit marks the believer as part of the new covenant community, equipped for holy living and witness.
This three-step process—repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit—constitutes a comprehensive pathway to salvation that integrates a Trinitarian understanding. The Father calls individuals to repentance, the Son's name is invoked in baptism, and the Holy Spirit is given as a gift, uniting believers with the triune God.
Moreover, the promise extends beyond the immediate audience to future generations and to "all who are far off" (Acts 2:39), emphasizing God's redemptive plan's inclusive and far-reaching nature. This connects with God's covenantal promises throughout scripture, such as His promise to Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3) and the prophetic vision of a renewed relationship with God (Ezekiel 36:25-27).
By responding to Peter's call, the early Christians entered into a transformative relationship with God, characterized by a new identity in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, illustrating the ongoing fulfillment of God's salvific promises.
In Christ, love ❤️ Jared W Campbell
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