S – Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, 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. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 2:38–39 CSB

O – Commentary:

Peter instructs the people how to call on the Lord’s name (2:21): be baptized in Jesus’ name. Because baptism was a sign of conversion to Judaism normally reserved for pagans, Peter’s demand would offend his Jewish hearers and cost them respectability. He calls for a public, radical testimony of conversion, not a private, noncommittal request for salvation with no conditions. “In the name of Jesus Christ” distinguishes this sort of baptism, requiring faith in Christ, from other ancient baptisms; this phrase simply means that the person being baptized confesses Christ. 

“Repentence” –In the *New Testament, this term does not merely mean “change of mind” (as some have gathered from the Greek term); it reflects the *Old Testament and Jewish concept of “turning around” or “turning away” from sin. Jewish people were to repent whenever they sinned; the New Testament uses the term especially for the once-for-all kind of turning that a *Gentile would undergo when converting to Judaism or any sinner would undergo when becoming a follower of Jesus.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – Jesus taught the Jewish people of a new way that moved from the Levitical laws and into a personal relationship with God.  His death and resurrection were key to the transition. But this is where the biggest step happened – the disciples and followers were filled with the Holy Spirit and shared the gospel.  When this happened, God’s plan of relationship with all people was now a possibility.  Since then till Jesus comes back, people can repent in the name of Jesus, be forgiven of their sins and accept Christ.

R- Heavenly Father, you are one with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  Thank you for your love for us that all three entities embrace us in relationship.  You are perfect and holy.  Forgive us of our sins.  We receive your forgiveness and love.