Verse Smart · Commentary comparison
What do the great Christian commentators say about Acts 2:38? Below is a side-by-side look at how Matthew Henry, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, Albert Barnes, and John Wesley read this passage — where they agree, where they diverge.
Acts 2:38 · WEB
“Peter said to them, “Repent and be immersed, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Baptism is presented as a direct sign and seal connected to the reception of forgiveness and the Spirit.
Baptism seals the promises but the reception of the Spirit is primarily linked to faith, strengthened by the sacraments.
Baptism is a commanded act that signifies and accompanies the reception of forgiveness and the Spirit.
Summaries are AI-rendered overviews of public-domain commentaries (Henry, Calvin, Spurgeon, Barnes, Wesley). Always consult primary sources for study.
17th-18th Century
Henry emphasizes that repentance and baptism are inseparable commands from God. He sees repentance as a deep change of heart and baptism as the outward sign of this inner change and commitment to Christ. Both are necessary steps for receiving forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
“Repentance and baptism are outward and inward signs of God's saving work.”
16th Century
Calvin views repentance as a turning from sin to God, which is a necessary preparation for baptism. Baptism, in his view, is a sign and seal of God's covenant, assuring believers of the remission of sins and the gift of the Spirit. He stresses that the promise of the Spirit is linked to faith, which is strengthened by the sacraments.
“Baptism seals the promises of God, including the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Spirit, to the believer.”
19th Century
Spurgeon highlights the inseparable connection between repentance, faith, and baptism. He stresses that true repentance leads to a changed life and that baptism is an important ordinance for believers who have already repented and believed. He emphasizes that the gift of the Spirit is received by faith, not earned by the outward act of baptism.
“Repentance and baptism are outward expressions of an inward faith that receives the Holy Spirit.”
19th Century
Barnes understands Peter's command as linking repentance and baptism directly to the forgiveness of sins and the reception of the Holy Spirit. He argues that baptism is a significant ordinance that publicly signifies a person's dedication and faith, and that the promise of the Spirit is a consequence of this obedient step.
“Baptism is a commanded act that accompanies repentance and signifies the reception of forgiveness and the Spirit.”
18th Century
Wesley sees repentance and baptism as essential steps for believers, both signifying a commitment to Christ and His teachings. He emphasizes that baptism is an outward sign of an inward work of grace and that the gift of the Holy Spirit is a divine empowerment that follows genuine faith and obedience.
“Baptism is the outward sign of the inward cleansing and empowerment by the Holy Spirit.”