Act 2:37-39 | MHM | STEP | The Response to Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost Peter’s sermon at Pentecost had a powerful effect on the people listening. They were deeply moved by his words about Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. This section describes how the crowd responded with conviction, what Peter told them to do, and how thousands of people became followers of Jesus that day. It marks the beginning of the church, as people repented, were baptized, and began a new life together as believers. v. 37 : When the people heard Peter’s message, they were “cut to the heart” ( Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart Acts 2:37 ). This means they felt deep conviction and sorrow for their sin, especially for their part in rejecting Jesus. They realized that they had been wrong about him and were now desperate to know what to do. v. 37–39 : The people were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the apostles what they should do. Peter tells them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for them, their children, and for all who are far away—everyone whom the Lord calls (Acts 2:37

‏ Acts 2:37-39

The Response to Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost

Peter’s sermon at Pentecost had a powerful effect on the people listening. They were deeply moved by his words about Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. This section describes how the crowd responded with conviction, what Peter told them to do, and how thousands of people became followers of Jesus that day. It marks the beginning of the church, as people repented, were baptized, and began a new life together as believers.

v. 37: When the people heard Peter’s message, they were “cut to the heart” (Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart Acts 2:37 ^a). This means they felt deep conviction and sorrow for their sin, especially for their part in rejecting Jesus. They realized that they had been wrong about him and were now desperate to know what to do.

v. 37–39: The people were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the apostles what they should do. Peter tells them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for them, their children, and for all who are far away—everyone whom the Lord calls (Acts 2:37–39 ^b).

v. 38: Peter answered, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38 ^c). He told them to turn away from their sins and change their hearts and lives. Being baptized in Jesus’ name would show their faith and that they belonged to him. God would forgive their sins, and they would receive the Holy Spirit, just as the apostles had.

v. 39: Peter explained that God’s promise was for everyone: “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” . This means that forgiveness and the Holy Spirit were not just for the people in Jerusalem, but for people everywhere—even those far away and in future generations, as long as they responded to God’s call.