Some reply that “for” (“eis” in the Greek) in this verse means “because of” so that the verse would teach people should be baptized after they have already obtained the remission of sins. However, when these gentlemen are pressed for the New Testament translation that so gives this passage, they have failed every time. Many translations render the Greek word pas (“everyone; all [people]”) in a way that indicates that every human will ultimately be drawn to Jesus. It is not unusual to hear of individual Baptist preachers with a smattering of exposure to the Greek language who will assert that scholars exist who render "eis" in Acts 2:38, "because of." This idea, however, would not agree with the rest of the inspired Scriptures. Formatting issue in the NIV '84 edition has been resolved. He said that Acts 2:38-39, according to the Greek translation, means babies should be baptized according to their parents' faith. 41-47).. From that sermon, we read in Acts 2:38:. But when you look at the verse, and others, you will see that it does not teach baptismal regeneration, that baptism saves, or that baptism is necessary for salvation. For further discussion see R. N. Longenecker, “Acts,” Acts 2:38-39 is the single most important passage of Scripture regarding baptism. This is one of the most confusing, intriguing and debated Scriptures in the Bible. That won’t work of course because the same verse also makes repentance “for” the remission of sins, and all right … Bible Gateway Plus puts a library of commentaries and Greek & Hebrew language tools right in your pocket. It is supposed to be possible, according to translation theory." λ. of Acts 2:38. And Peter said to them, “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. by David J. Stewart | October 2014 | Updated November 2014 “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” (Acts 2:38).. If so, I trust Carl will bring the thread to an end. I hope this is not an inappropriate post. (Acts 2:38) The above verse of scripture is a favorite among many religious groups. As an adverb, ‘because’ can only modify verbs, adjectives, and clauses; It NEVER modifies nouns and pronouns. Acts 2:38 Translation & Meaning. It comes from the Greek Χριστός, cristos, and is a translation of the Hebrew word for Messiah, מָשִׁיחַ, meshiyach, which means anointed or chosen one. The accusative case, simply stated, is the case of forward action. NIV. The Expositor's Greek Testament. Font Size. In addition to Acts 2:38, there are three other verses where the Greek word eis is used in conjunction with the word “baptize” or “baptism.” The first of these is Matthew 3:11, “baptize you with water for repentance.” Clearly the Greek word eis cannot mean “in order to get” in this passage. In order to teach that as fact you have to be honestly ignorant or willfully deceitful. Good News Translation w/ Apocrypha. Whether one understands Acts 2:38 as supporting baptismal remission of sins is determined not by the verse alone but by how one understands the rest of the Bible’s teaching about forgiveness of sins. Acts 2:38-39. Acts 2:38. In Acts 2:14-40, after the Holy Spirit’s arrival, the first major event of church history was Peter’s sermon, which led to 3,000 conversions and established the church (vv. That they were "cut to the heart" means they understand that they crucified David's heir, the Messiah. Our assessment is not arbitrary or biased. Acts 2:39. : the promise was made to the very men who had invoked upon themselves and upon their children, St. Matthew 27:25, the blood of the Crucified. Below him were dozens of mikveh (immersion pools used for ceremonial cleanings of Jewish worshipers). While it has a variety of meaning shades, it always is prospective ... A. T. Robertson, who attempted to twist Acts 2:38 into conformity with his personal theological agenda, was forced to surrender his position when discussing Matthew 26:28. Even if we consider the verse by itself, two major considerations, one lexical (involving the definitions of words) and the other grammatical (involving rules of language and their … Even if EIS denotes purpose, and it probably does, this does not say, nor imply the negation, if both repentance and baptism are not done, then there is no forgiveness and reception of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 is one of the more controversial verses in the Bible regarding baptism and whether or not it is the requirement for salvation. General Search for 'Acts 2:38' within '' on StudyLight.org. An interesting discussion over the force of ei took place several years ago, especially in relation to Acts 2:38. NIV. Acts 2:38 (GNTA) Peter said to them, "Each one of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven; and you will receive God's gift, the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38) The Greek preposition eis can mean “for the purpose of,” or “with reference to,” among other things. With regard to Acts 2:38, Wayne Leman wrote: "I want to be able to understand the meaning of the Greek phrasing from an appropriate English translation. 24: 47). Please note that repentance and faith are NOT two separate events in time. One must look in other places for a theological analysis. Acts 2:38 clearly teaches a sinner must be baptized “for,” that is, “in order to obtain” the remission of sins. It is possible to translate the Greek preposition eis-"because of, or "on the basis of," instead of "for." And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your patient. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”. The Greek term eis is found about 1,750 times in the New Testament. It is featured very prominently in the pages of the New Testament. “He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which translated means Christ),” (John 1:41). This is an instance of one's theology dictating one's translation, rather than allowing the proper translation to dictate one's theology. Update. 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. In Acts 2:38, "For the forgiveness of sins," is not an independent clause; It is prepositional phrase explaining the words "be baptized." We do not have to wonder who a proper subject for baptism is because the Bible tells us. Use this … Some reply that “for” in this verse means “because of” so that the verse would teach people should be baptized after they have already obtained the remission of sins. Both repentance and baptism, then, reach forth to the obtaining of remission of sins (cp. The Passion Translation ... Acts 2:38 The Greek word translated “repent” means both “to change the mind and direction of your life” and “to turn back to God.” Acts 2:38 Peter was likely saying these words from the steps of the temple. The word “Christ” means anointed. Causal Ei in Acts 2:38? One can hear it several times on Sunday morning radio programs, as well as from the pulpits of numerous groups, and it can be found in much religious literature. The Greek word for the word “for” in Acts 2:38 is “EIS” and means “in lieu of.”. Acts 2:38 New International Version (NIV) 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Chapter Parallel. A clause requires … -----There is no translation of the Bible that I am aware of that translates "eis" of Acts 2:38 as "because of, or "on the basis of." TRANSLATION EXAMPLES: 1. Below is the discussion of Acts 2:38 in Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics, Exegetical Syntax: 1. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. New International Version (NIV) Bible Book List. Baptism is not an obscure Bible topic. 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Thus, the Bible is saying to be water baptized in lieu of the fact that your sins have already been forgiven when you repented and placed your faith in Christ. In fact, they have even failed to produce a professor or instructor of New Testament Greek, … Acts 2:38. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized 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 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Acts 2:38, NIV: "Peter replied, '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 2:37 Parallel Verses [⇓ See ... "Cut," or "pierced" in other translations, is from the Greek root word katanusso and means to receive a sharp pain in concert with great sorrow. Some use this verse to say that one must be baptized in order to be saved. Subsequently other followers of Christ are related to have received it through faith (Galatians 3:2), or by the instrumentality of baptism (Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 12:13) and the laying on of hands (Acts 19:5, 6), although its reception was in no wise connected with baptism by any magical bond, Acts 8:12, 15; Acts … What does this verse really mean? Answer: Let's first examine what we … If this interpretation is correct, then Acts 2:38 is saying very little about the specific theological relationship between the symbol and the reality, only that historically they were viewed together. We err if we think the normal translations of Acts 2:38 suggest or imply that repentance and baptism are necessary for the forgiveness of sins and reception of the Holy Spirit. Hence, "for" (eis) in Acts 2: 38 means in order to, toward, into, or unto the forgiveness of sins. Remember that kai ("and") joins "repent" and "be baptized" in Acts 2: 38 hence, what is said of one, is said of the other. The conversion of the Gentiles does not here belong to the matter in hand. Acts 2:38—One of the Most Debated Scriptures in the Bible. Their horror delves past their surface emotions and thoughts and deep into their being. Lk. Acts 2:38 (Our literal translation) 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Log In/Sign Up . But notice the following definitions for “eis” by the Greek scholars … Since ‘remission’ and ‘sin’ are both nouns, and there is no verb, adjective, or clause in “for the remission of sins,” ‘because of’ simply cannot be used. Acts 2:38 clearly teaches a sinner must be baptized “for,” that is, “in order to obtain” the remission of sins. We do not have to wonder what the purpose for baptism is in God's mind because He has plainly indicated its purpose already. New International Version.