Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 08:25 (Dec 2004)
Article: Acts 2:38:Is Baptism Required for Salvation?
Author: Mal Couch

CTJ 8:25 (December 2004) p. 404

Acts 2:38:Is Baptism Required for Salvation?

Mal Couch

Founder and Editor, The Conservative Theological Journal

Acts 2:38 has stood as a puzzle to those who do not believe in baptismal regeneration. At first reading the verse may leave the impression that baptism, water baptism, is necessary for salvation. The verse is used as a proof text for those who take the position that baptism plays some kind of role in the act of salvation. But what does the verse really say from the Greek text? Is there a difficulty in translation that causes the impression that baptism is required for redemption? And, what about the grammar? Is there something in the Greek rendering that seems to be unclear in the English versions?

The Context of Acts 2:38

To arrive at the full answer it is important to look at the context of Acts 2:38. Following the ascension of Christ the disciples were in “the house,” which was probably the portico of the Temple, waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit whom Christ said would be coming to them (1:7). In great and startling drama the Spirit descended and they were filled (controlled) by Him and began speaking in foreign languages (2:2–13). With never-before-seen boldness, Peter stood up and began speaking to the multitudes, addressing them as “Men of Judea” (v. 14). He began describing the outpouring of the Spirit of God as prophesied in Joel 2. He urged the crowd to consider carefully all the events that had happened in Jerusalem concerning Christ—the crucifixion, the resurrection, and His ascension back to the heavenly Father. Peter said “Men of Israel, hear these words” (v. 22) about how the Old Testament in Psalm 16 predicted the resurrection of God’s Holy One (v. 27).

Conviction overcame many in the mob and great numbers cried

CTJ 8:25 (December 2004) p. 405

out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (v. 37). The apostle then answered them as given in the NKJV:

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The Greek text reads:

And Peter to them, “You all [second person plural] repent [aorist impera...