Why Acts 2:38?

mizpeh · #1 08-02-2010, 08:13 PM

Why did Peter respond to those men whose hearts were pricked when they were told that they crucified the Christ? When the men asked him what must we do? Why did Peter tell them what he told them as recorded in Acts 2:38?

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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.

Why not tell them the things some are told every Sunday, like this one,

"God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!" http://www.gotquestions.org/sinners-prayer.html

Why did Peter tell them to repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit instead of having them recite the sinner's prayer or something like it?

Scott Hutchinson · #2 08-02-2010, 08:16 PM

Peter spoke as The Holy Ghost led him to speak.
Acts 2:38 wasn't Peter's main message it was His altar call.
Since the day of Pentecost is when the church began it is important for foundational truth.

Truthseeker · #3 08-02-2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Why did Peter respond to those men whose hearts were pricked when they were told that they crucified the Christ? When the men asked him what must we do? Why did Peter tell them what he told them as recorded in Acts 2:38?

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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.

Why not tell them the things some are told every Sunday, like this one,

"God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!" http://www.gotquestions.org/sinners-prayer.html

Why did Peter tell them to repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit instead of having them recite the sinner's prayer or something like it?

Why didn't tell them thy faith alone saveth thee?

Baron1710 · #4 08-02-2010, 08:20 PM

Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!" NLT Acts 2:40

pelathais · #5 08-02-2010, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Why did Peter respond to those men whose hearts were pricked when they were told that they crucified the Christ? When the men asked him what must we do? Why did Peter tell them what he told them as recorded in Acts 2:38?

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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.

Why not tell them the things some are told every Sunday, like this one,

"God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!" http://www.gotquestions.org/sinners-prayer.html

Why did Peter tell them to repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit instead of having them recite the sinner's prayer or something like it?

What was included in the act of "repentance?" Wouldn't the "Sinner's Prayer" or words to that effect appear there?

I suppose I should ask you, Why don't you believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior? Your post appears to be saying that someone or something else is needed in addition to Jesus Christ.

RevDWW · #6 08-02-2010, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pelathais

What was included in the act of "repentance?" Wouldn't the "Sinner's Prayer" or words to that effect appear there?

Repentance is not just a "Sinner's prayer" it's a change of mind and direction.

Change how you believe (repent) and then act on your belief (baptism)........

pelathais · #7 08-02-2010, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevDWW

Repentance is not just a "Sinner's prayer" it's a change of mind and direction.

Change how you believe (repent) and then act on your belief (baptism)........

In the words that Mizzie linked to and called a "sinner's prayer" - what indicates to you that this is not representative of a "change of mind and direction?"

I mean, if the Three Steppers are happy with "Borat's" repentance and satisfied with that performance - what's wrong with a sincere person praying these other words?

mizpeh · #8 08-02-2010, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pelathais

What was included in the act of "repentance?" Wouldn't the "Sinner's Prayer" or words to that effect appear there?

I suppose I should ask you, Why don't you believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior? Your post appears to be saying that someone or something else is needed in addition to Jesus Christ.

All my post is asking is why did Peter answer those who consciences were pricked with the words of Acts 2:28? If my adding the sinner's prayer as alternative words that Peter could have said is confusing you, then forget about it. All I want to know is why did Peter tell them to Repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit?

Was it a one time fluke-type thing and he preached other things to other groups of people?

Why did Peter chose those words? Was he obeying what Christ told him to do before his ascension? Was he inspired by the Holy Spirit when he said those words? If those words weren't for all people of all time, then why did he say them?

RevDWW · #9 08-02-2010, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pelathais

In the words that Mizzie linked to and called a "sinner's prayer" - what indicates to you that this is not representative of a "change of mind and direction?"

I mean, if the Three Steppers are happy with "Borat's" repentance and satisfied with that performance - what's wrong with a sincere person praying these other words?

Nothing wrong with a sincere person praying. But just repeating a prayer is not always indicative of sincerity, as exampled by Borat........

mizpeh · #10 08-02-2010, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baron1710

Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!" NLT Acts 2:40

And what do you suppose Peter would have told them to do in order to save themselves from this crooked generation? The same thing he told the others to do in Acts 2:38?