Acts 2:38 Comparison: Evangelical vs. Oneness / Baptismal-Regeneration View

[Biilybob65]

1st, I spoke plainly to baptism as an act of obedience following salvation accessed by FAITH alone in post #1801

2ndly, I posted on how Faith flows from grace & leads to obedience in post # 1823

Find here a TWO‑WITNESS SALVATION CONFIRMATION: Citing Peter & Paul preached the same message & the 411 on my intent, when I posted 1 Cor 15:11: WE Peter & Paul PREACH & so YOU BELIEVE

Both explicitly call Jesus God:

Peter: 2 Pet 1:1, our God and Savior Jesus Christ

Paul: Titus 2:13, our great God and Savior Jesus Christ & Rom 9:5, Christ, who is God over all
Two‑witness point: Both apostles use the same construction (God & Savior) & both directly call Jesus God.


Both teach the resurrection as the center of the gospel

Peter: Acts 2:32, This Jesus God raised up

Paul: 1 Cor 15:3–4, Christ died, was buried, and rose again
Two‑witness point: Both apostles preach the resurrection as the core of the gospel message.


Both quote Joel 2:32 to define salvation

Peter: Acts 2:21, whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved

Paul: Rom 10:13, whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved
Two‑witness point: Both apostles anchor salvation in calling on the Lord, not ritual performance. Both quote the same verse once & both use it as the salvation principle.


Both teach salvation by faith in Christ’s name

Peter: Acts 10:43, everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins

Paul: Rom 3:26, God justifies “the one who has faith in Jesus
Two‑witness point: Both apostles teach forgiveness through faith in Christ, not through works or water.


Both teach that Jesus is the cornerstone

Peter: 1 Peter 2:6–7, Christ is the cornerstone of Isa 28:16

Paul: Eph 2:20, Christ is the cornerstone
Two‑witness point: Both apostles identify Jesus as the salvations foundation stone


Both teach the universal Lordship of Christ

Peter: Acts 2:36, God has made Him both Lord and Christ

Paul: Phil 2:11 — “every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”
Two‑witness point: Both apostles proclaim Jesus as Lord in the divine sense, not merely a title.


Summery:
Peter & Paul preach the same Christ, the same salvation, the same resurrection, the same Lordship, the same deity, the same cornerstone & the same Joel 2:32 salvation call. Their ministries differ in audience & stewardship, not message.

And notably, while Peter uses "repent & be baptized ONCE in a Jewish‑Pentecost context. Paul never teaches that formula anywhere in his writings, "not even a single time", yet both apostles still define salvation the same way: by FAITH in Christ & calling on the authority placed in His name.

you go ahead and believe what you wish as will I but lets pray that we are indeed teaching the truth of scripture and not to blind to see if we are mistaken. It really does matter as which one of us is correct and only the scriptures can answer that for there in lies the truth it matters not what I think they say or what you think they day but what the truth is in what they do say.

I feel we have reached the point that we are just going in circles and our eyes and ears are closed to what each other is trying to say. You will not see the points I am showing and I can not get behind the points you are expressing. I feel you are teaching false doctrine and you see it as I am so we are getting no where but I did enjoy your input even though I can not agree. It is my prayer that God will bring us to the truth of his word and we can see it as he had recorded it .may God be with you as you travel through this land awaiting our home above.

 

[mailmandan]

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.Paul's declaration again. Remember the only baptism Jesus authorized them to baptize with is the one in his name (Acts 2:38)

Galatians 3:26 - For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Period.) Not through faith and water baptism. Also read John 1:12 - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. *Received Him, given the right to become children of God, through believing in His name, not through water baptism.

Galatians 3:27 - For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on/clothed yourself with Christ. The Greek word for "put on" is "enduo" and means to enclose oneself in, as when one "puts on" clothes or armor or some other item. Involved in this is the idea of "imitation" and "identification." Just as 1 Corinthians 10:2 says that all (the Israelites) were "baptized into Moses" in the cloud and in the sea, but this does not mean that the Israelites were literally water baptized into the body of Moses. We are Spirit baptized into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13) and the only sense that we are water baptized into Christ would be in the same sense that the Israelites were baptized into Moses. (1 Corinthians 10:2) There is little dispute that being "baptized into Moses" signified the open allegiance and public identification of the Israelites with Moses as their leader. Moses was formally recognized as the leader of the covenant people. Water baptism signifies our allegiance and public identification with Christ as our Savior, so it would only be in that sense. So how does one "put on" Christ in baptism? Is it because one becomes a "child of God" through water baptism? NO. Is Paul saying that we become children of God by water baptism as much as children of God by faith in Christ? NO.

"Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." (Romans 13:12,14) This exhortation is written to Christians (those already saved). Evidently then, baptism is not the only way to "put on" Christ. To "put on" Christ is to conform to Him, imitate Him. So it is in baptism; we "put on" Christ, conforming to Him in the ordinance that declares Him to be our Savior. So, if "put on" Christ means saved through water baptism, apparently, we are not saved yet. We must also "put on" Christ by making no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts in order to be saved as well. (Romans 13:14) Right? NO. This exhortation is to those ALREADY SAVED.

"Put off," wrote Paul, "the old man," and "put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Ephesians 4:22,24); And, "put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11)

The allusion is to putting off old clothes and putting on new ones, to enclosing oneself in armor, etc. When a soldier puts on armor, he is imitating his superiors and trainers, is revealing himself to be a soldier. One does not put on a uniform in order to become a soldier. Simply putting on a soldier's uniform does not make one become a soldier. Once one is made a soldier one is then able to put on and wear the uniform that distinguishes or marks them as a soldier. It's the same with putting on a judge's robe. Simply putting on a robe in of itself, does not make anyone become a judge, but one who has been made a judge is qualified to put on judicial robes and thus declare their qualifications.

So too with being water baptized, the Christian puts on robes for which they have previously been qualified to wear. The putting on of Christ is not what makes one become a Christian, but one which becomes a token of it, as in Romans 13:14.

 

[mailmandan]

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord,what baptism one faith, one baptism, Now ask yourself, what baptism did Jesus authorize the Apostles to baptize with?

There is only one baptism that saves and places us into the body of Christ and that is Spirit baptism, not water baptism.

Ephesians 4:5 - ..one Lord, one faith, one baptism.

1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. *Also see John 4:10,14; 7:37-39 for the word drink(s) and see the connection with the Holy Spirit.

 

[mailmandan]

How about just answering his question?

None of your verses addresses the level of faith that becomes the "when" for the remission of sins.

I did answer his question. How about just accepting the truth? John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned and not believes in Him + something else/works. When? The very moment one believes in Him/places faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Forgiveness of sins in tied to believes in Him in Acts 10:43 and believes in Acts 13:38-39 and faith in Me in Acts 26:18. Believes 100% in Jesus Christ. That is the level of faith. 100% faith in Jesus Christ for salvation or 100% lost.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

There is only one baptism that saves and places us into the body of Christ and that is Spirit baptism, not water baptism.

That's not what scripture says. Jesus said the baptism of the spirit was to empower his disciples to be his witnesses.

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 1:4-5​

​

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8​

 

[mailmandan]

That's not what scripture says. Jesus said the baptism of the spirit was to empower his disciples to be his witnesses.

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 1:4-5​

​

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8​

The baptism with the Holy Spirit not only empowered Jesus' disciples when the Holy Spirit had come upon them in Acts but seals ALL believers in the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13-14) Water baptism and Spirit baptism are two distinct baptisms. (Matthew 3:11) Your argument does not negate the scriptures I shared in post #2,083.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

The baptism with the Holy Spirit not only empowered Jesus' disciples when the Holy Spirit had come upon them in Acts but seals ALL believers in the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13-14) Water baptism and Spirit baptism are two distinct baptisms. (Matthew 3:11) Your argument does not negate the scriptures I shared in post #2,083.

Scripture doesn't say that the baptism of the spirit seals us into Christ. It says the spirit does. Acts 2:38 says the spirit is received through water baptism

 

[Ouch]

The baptism with the Holy Spirit not only empowered Jesus' disciples when the Holy Spirit had come upon them in Acts but seals ALL believers in the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13-14) Water baptism and Spirit baptism are two distinct baptisms. (Matthew 3:11) Your argument does not negate the scriptures I shared in post #2,083.

If they received the Holy Ghost!

Can't be sealed with something if JESUS didn't give it out in the first place.

 

[mailmandan]

Scripture doesn't say that the baptism of the spirit seals us into Christ. It says the spirit does.

Depending on if you have a Pentecostal background or not, one may confuse being filled with the Holy Spirit (and being empowered with spiritual gifts) with receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13 - In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Acts 2:38 says the spirit is received through water baptism

Acts 2:38 must be read alongside verses like (Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 13:38-39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18) where forgiveness is explicitly tied to repentance/belief/faith and not the ritual itself. Water baptism is a sign of that reality but not the source of it.

Luke 24:47 - and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 3:19 - Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 5:31 - Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 10:43 - Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 11:17 - If therefore God gave them the same gift (Holy Spirit) as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” 18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life.” *What happened to baptism?

Acts 13:38 - Therefore, let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 15:7 - And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 16:30 - And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” *What happened to baptism?

Acts 26:18 - to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics.

The only logical and Biblical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 13:38-39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18) *Perfect Harmony*

 

[Ouch]

Depending on if you have a Pentecostal background or not, one may confuse being filled with the Holy Spirit (and being empowered with spiritual gifts) with receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13 - In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Acts 2:38 must be read alongside verses like (Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 13:38-39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18) where forgiveness is explicitly tied to repentance/belief/faith and not the ritual itself. Water baptism is a sign of that reality but not the source of it.

Luke 24:47 - and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 3:19 - Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 5:31 - Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 10:43 - Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 11:17 - If therefore God gave them the same gift (Holy Spirit) as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” 18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life.” *What happened to baptism?

Acts 13:38 - Therefore, let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 15:7 - And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 16:30 - And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” *What happened to baptism?

Acts 26:18 - to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics.

The only logical and Biblical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 13:38-39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18) *Perfect Harmony*

LOL, your two funny.

When I put an red x on your statements it's becaue I disagree with your statement that goes againt HIS word.

You put a red x on my statements when I'm speaking to a person who can't back up his opinion with GODS word.

Makes it very clear you like peoples opinion and your own more than GOD'S WORD.

You may want to repent, it's not to late.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

This verse doesn't say baptized by one spirit, but it says baptized in one spirit. That verse can also be worded thus, which is what Acts 2:38 signifies, ie be baptized and receive the spirit.

For we were all baptized into one body in one Spirit —whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.​

 

[TrustandObey]

I did answer his question. How about just accepting the truth?

You most certainly did not. You are simply restating a general axiom common to all Christian groups. It was you who brought up the "line in the sand", so where is it?

At what point of faith does someone need to reach in order to receive the remission of sins?

It seems that you are claiming that to simply believe that Jesus alone will save you is your line, this this correct?

How about just accepting the truth? John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned and not believes in Him + something else/works.

Confessing Jesus is Lord is not "+ something else".
Repentance is not " + something else".
Baptism is not " + something else".

When? The very moment one believes in Him/places faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Forgiveness of sins in tied to believes in Him in Acts 10:43 and believes in Acts 13:38-39 and faith in Me in Acts 26:18. Believes 100% in Jesus Christ. That is the level of faith. 100% faith in Jesus Christ for salvation or 100% lost.

A person simply believes Jesus can or will save him and that makes him saved? I doubt you truly believe this.

 

[mailmandan]

You most certainly did not. You are simply restating a general axiom common to all Christian groups. It was you who brought up the "line in the sand", so where is it?

I already showed you where the line in the sand is. John 3:18 - Hewho believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

At what point of faith does someone need to reach in order to receive the remission of sins?

The point in which it trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Sadly, many trust in works.

It seems that you are claiming that to simply believe that Jesus alone will save you is your line, this this correct?

Yes, Jesus Christ alone. (John 3:15,16,18; 10:9; 14:6) My faith rests in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Who or what else are you trusting in for salvation?

Confessing Jesus is Lord is not "+ something else".
Repentance is not " + something else".
Baptism is not " + something else".

Confessing Jesus is Lord is a confirmation of faith (Romans 10:8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:3) and is not a work for salvation. Repentance is a "change of mind" which "precedes" faith (Acts 20:21) and is not a work for salvation. Baptism "follows" salvation through belief/faith (Acts 10:43-47) and is not a work for salvation. So much for + something else.

A person simply believes Jesus can or will save him and that makes him saved? I doubt you truly believe this.

It goes deeper than that. We must trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation. (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

 

[FlyingDove]

This verse doesn't say baptized by one spirit, but it says baptized

For we were all baptized into one body in one Spirit —whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.​

What translation are you quoting from. That has "in one Spirit" at the end of the 1st sentence?

 

[Biilybob65]

@FlyingDove
I already showed you where the line in the sand is. John 3:18 - Hewho believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

This is juvenile reasoning showing you do not understand the meat of the scriptures. It is elementary teaching that Faith comes before any response. If one does not have faith they will not confess, if one does not have faith they will not repent likewise if one does not have faith they will not submit to baptism. If one does not have faith they will not submit to baptism but that is not why they are lost. They are lost because they had not faith.

What does it mean to have faith? the bible is clear as to what it means. If trust in ALL Gods words. Not just pick and chose but you must trust in all God has revealed. If he has said one time that you must repent and be baptized in the name of Christ to receive the gift of the holy ghost (The Spirit himself the indwelling )then that is the only time he should have to say it and it is up to us whether we chose to believe his words and trust in them or reject them and declare
that was not what he meant say if we have better ideal of the mind of God than God himself does.

I truly do not understand how you come up with so much teaching that distorts the true meaning of scripture. You go to great lengths to compile many out of context verses to try to make them say what they were not intended to say and you can't even see you are doing it. When it is pointed out to you the error of it you buckle down and go even further out into left field it does no good to even discuss the issue with you.

 

[FlyingDove]

This is juvenile reasoning showing you do not understand the meat of the scriptures. It is elementary teaching that Faith comes before any response. If one does not have faith they will not confess, if one does not have faith they will not repent likewise if one does not have faith they will not submit to baptism. If one does not have faith they will not submit to baptism but that is not why they are lost. They are lost because they had not faith.

What does it mean to have faith? the bible is clear as to what it means. If trust in ALL Gods words. Not just pick and chose but you must trust in all God has revealed. If he has said one time that you must repent and be baptized in the name of Christ to receive the gift of the holy ghost (The Spirit himself the indwelling )then that is the only time he should have to say it and it is up to us whether we chose to believe his words and trust in them or reject them and declare
that was not what he meant say if we have better ideal of the mind of God than God himself does.

I truly do not understand how you come up with so much teaching that distorts the true meaning of scripture. You go to great lengths to compile many out of context verses to try to make them say what they were not intended to say and you can't even see you are doing it. When it is pointed out to you the error of it you buckle down and go even further out into left field it does no good to even discuss the issue with you.

You've attached my handle to something I didn't say/write. One of your other water baptism = salvation promoters rewrites scripture. Childish & shameful.

 

[Biilybob65]

You've attached my handle to something I didn't say/write. One of your other water baptism = salvation promoters rewrites scripture. Childish & shameful.

You are correct that was directed toward mailmandan . I am so sorry I messed up in directing this toward you. Please forgive me on this issue. I will have to do better at directing my comments to the right target from now on. Thank you for the correction.

 

[FlyingDove]

You are correct that was directed toward mailmandan . I am so sorry I messed up in directing this toward you. Please forgive me on this issue. I will have to do better at directing my comments to the right target from now on. Thank you for the correction.

Kudo' for the reply Forgiven. IMO the attack on Dan was a bit extreme, maybe show him i bit of love as well. Peace FD

 

[FlyingDove]

Acts 2:38 in Context — A Covenant Call to Israel - Not a Universal Salvation Formula

Acts is a transitional book, recording the shift from the Old Covenant (Starts Ex 19/Sinai - Ends/Cross) to the New (Starts/Resurrection & is still ongoing). Acts 2 an Israel only audience/event & if we ignore that transition, we will misread Acts 2:38.

At Pentecost (Acts 2), the Law is still fully in effect in Israel, the temple is active, daily sacrifices continuing. Gentiles have ZERO part at this new covenant Jewish only inclusion event.

Scripture declares salvation 1st to the Jew Rom 1:16. 2:9-10. Scripture confirms this repeatedly: Matt 10:5-6, 15:24, Lk 24:47, Acts 1:8, 2:7, 3:25-26, 13:46.

Jesus' earthly ministry was to Israel 1st. Jesus commanded the new covenant gospel message was to begin at Jerusalem. The Acts transition follows the exact sequence: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Gentiles.

Jesus Prophesied A Global New Covenant Outreach (Acts 1:8)

Jerusalem: Pentecost, apostles preach, miracles displayed, persecution begins. Acts 2–7

Judea: Believers scattered into Judea, churches established, word spreads through all Judea. Acts 5:16, 10:37.

Samaria: Philip preaches, many believe, apostles lay hands, Samaritans receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:4–25

Ethiopian Eunuch: A Torah observant/proselyte worshiper returning from Jerusalem, receives the gospel & is baptized, he's not a Gentile. Acts 8:26–40
The eunuch is from worship in Jerusalem (Acts 8:27). He fits between Samaria & the 1st gentile/Cornelius milestone. He's Not the 1st Gentile inclusion event.

Gentiles: Cornelius & his household receive the gospel & the Holy Spirit, 1st Gentile inclusion event (Acts 10 confirmed Acts 11). The patterns design was deliberate, prophetic & sequential.

And note the administration: Cornelius' household hears the gospel, believes & immediately receives Christ' salvation‑sealing, indwelling Holy Spirit baptism > before water baptism.

Acts 26:15–18 — The Risen Jesus Commissions Paul
In Acts 26:15–18, the RISEN Jesus personally chooses Paul & sends him to the Gentiles: To open their eyes, turn them from darkness to light, that they may receive forgiveness of sins & By FAITH that is in Me.

From this point forward, in the epistles, the Holy Spirit's administration is consistent: HEAR > BELIEVE > RECEIVE. And then publicly announce your identification with Christ's death & resurrection through water baptism.

This is the Body of Christ pattern & it matches the Cornelius event perfectly.

Acts unfolds in the exact order Jesus prophesied: Jerusalem (Acts 2), Judea (Acts 5:16, 8:1, 9:31), Samaria (Acts 8:4–25), then the Ethiopian eunuch as a Torah observant proselyte (Acts 8:26–40) & finally the 1st true Gentile inclusion event with Cornelius (Acts 10:44 & 11:13-18).

Question for those that claim Samaritans & the Ethiopian eunuch were gentiles:
If Cornelius house wasn't the 1st gentile New Covenant Christian converts, then: why is Peter & the Jewish believers with him ASTONISHED when the Holy Spirit fell on Gentiles? (Acts 10:45). Why does Peter use Cornelius as his main argument years later at the Jerusalem Council? (Acts 11:13–18, Acts 15).

Because nothing like this had ever happened before. Cornelius is the 1st Gentile New Covenant inclusion/event

Conclusion
Acts 2:38 is a covenantal command to Israel, still fully under the Law at Pentecost & before Gentiles were included, before the church expanded beyond Jerusalem & before the apostles clarified that Gentiles are saved by FAITH apart from Israel’s requirements.

Peter never repeats the Acts 2:38 formula in any of his writings. Instead, he preaches forgiveness through faith in Christ (Acts 10:43). Acts 2:38 is the Jerusalem beginning of the Acts 1:8 mission & not a universal salvation formula.

Peter never repeats the Acts 2:38 formula in any of his writings.

Instead he preaches forgiveness through faith in Christ (Acts 10:43).

Acts 2:38 is the Jerusalem beginning of the Acts 1:8 mission & not a universal salvation message/formula.

 

[Avery]

Acts 2:38 (KJV)
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.

The line of reasoning mentioned in (“Acts 2:38 says be baptized for the remission of sins”) is a hallmark argument of oneness or baptismal-regeneration groups.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s behind that “tactic” and why it often shows up in debates:

1. What They Teach

• Oneness Pentecostals (United Pentecostal Church International, Apostolic churches, etc.) and baptismal-regeneration advocates (like the Church of Christ, Christian Church, or some Apostolic groups) insist that water baptism is a necessary condition for salvation.
• They usually quote Acts 2:38 as their cornerstone:
  
  “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...”
  They interpret “for” (eis in Greek) as meaning “in order to obtain” forgiveness, not “because of.”​

2. Why It’s a “Tactic”

In discussion, these groups tend to:

• Anchor every salvation argument in Acts 2:38, ignoring the broader New-Testament pattern of salvation by faith apart from works (e.g., Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).
• Equate water with spiritual regeneration, even when passages clearly distinguish them (John 3:5; Acts 10:44-48; 1 Peter 3:21).
• Frame the conversation as obedience vs. disobedience, implying that anyone who disagrees is rejecting God’s command rather than discussing interpretation.
• Selectively quote early-Acts passages, before Paul’s revelation of salvation by grace through faith, as though those transitional moments define normative doctrine for the entire Church Age.

Essentially, it’s a rhetorical move: they start with Acts 2:38 as the hermeneutical “lens,” then reinterpret every other passage through it.

3. What’s Often Overlooked

• Context of Acts 2 — Peter was preaching to Jews under the Law who had just crucified their Messiah. The command to repent and be baptized was part of a national call to faith and public identification with Christ, not a mechanical formula for personal regeneration.
• Comparative Passages — In Acts 10, Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit before baptism; in Acts 16, the Philippian jailer was told, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” with no mention of baptism first.
• Greek nuance — The word eis (“for”) in Acts 2:38 can also mean “because of” or “on account of,” as in Matthew 12:41 (“They repented at [Greek eis] the preaching of Jonah”).
• Paul’s clarification — “Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel” (1 Cor 1:17). That’s hard to square with baptism being essential for salvation.

4. The Broader Pattern
The New Testament consistently teaches:

• Salvation is by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9; Rom 10:9-10).
• Baptism follows salvation as an outward sign of inward faith (Acts 10:47-48; Gal 3:27).
• The Spirit’s baptism, not water, places believers into the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13).

So when groups use Acts 2:38 as their proof-text, they’re reversing the biblical order—putting the symbol ahead of the substance.

Acts 2:38 Comparison: Evangelical vs. Oneness / Baptismal-Regeneration View

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Key Takeaways

1. Acts 2:38 was situational — Peter addressing Jews at Pentecost during a covenant transition, not defining a permanent formula for all salvation.
2. Scripture interprets Scripture — later revelation through Paul clarifies salvation is by faith apart from works or rituals (Romans 3–5; Galatians 2).
3. Water vs. Spirit — the New Testament distinguishes symbolic baptism in water from the real regenerating baptism of the Spirit (1 Cor 12:13; Titus 3:5).
4. Faith precedes baptism — everywhere else in Acts, people believe first (Acts 8:36–37; 10:44–48; 16:30–33).

Grace and Peace

This is a pretty good teaching and pegs the UPC well. My sister married a UPC guy and stonewalled me every time I tried to talk scripture to her. She wasn’t raised to believe like that. UPC is a very legalistic, religious, judgmental and messed up group of people. To take one verse and build a doctrine on it is scary thing but that’s what they did.