This page is optimized for smartphone display in Landscape Mode
Acts Study #16: The true meaning of “eis” and water baptism (Acts 2:38)
Hechos Estudio #16: El verdadero significado de “eis” y el bautismo en agua (Hechos 2:38)
Haga clic aquí para ir directamente a la versión en español de este estudio bíblico
If you are using a smartphone, please turn it to landscape mode for best viewing! Thank you!
All Bible quotations and the arrangement are found exclusively in the Kingdom Study Bible version, published by Jehovah Has Spoken Publishing Ministries. It is published for free in PDF format on this website.
There is no cost or obligation to download this PDF, and no advertisements.
“This is the work of Jehovah! It is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:23
Acts, Chapter 1.1: Many Jews of the Diaspora believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1:1 - 2:47)
§Complement Introduction: Jesus gave his Great Commission and the apostles chose a replacement for Judas Iscariot (1:1 - 26)
¶Opposite The Lord gave his Great Commission to his first church (and all future churches) to take the Gospel to the entire Earth (1:1 - 8)
¶Opposite The apostles cast lots to choose an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot (1:9 - 26)
§Complement Body: Peter preached the Gospel to foreign-born Jews and about 5,000 confessed Jesus as their Messiah (2:1 - 40)
¶Unique God poured out his Holy Spirit upon the apostles; and this miracle brought many foreign-born Jews around them (2:1 - 13)
¶Complement Peter preached that the miracle of speaking in foreign languages came from Jehovah, the God of Israel (2:14 - 21)
¶Complement Peter preached that the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus was also from Jehovah, the God of Israel (2:22 - 28)
¶Opposite Peter pointed to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit from Jehovah as proof of the resurrection of Jesus (2:29 - 36)
¶Opposite Peter called the Jews to repent and turn to their Messiah; and be baptized as a sign of the forgiveness of their sins (2:37 - 40)
§Unique Conclusion: The Assembly in Jerusalem began to expand rapidly with many new believers (2:41 - 47)
¶Complement After baptism, the new converts continued in the teaching and fellowship of the apostles (2:41 - 43)
¶Complement The spiritual growth of the new converts resulted in more souls being saved, which were added to the Assembly (2:44 - 47)
¶Opposite Peter called the Jews to repent and turn to their Messiah; and be baptized as a sign of the forgiveness of their sins (2:37 - 40)
Opposite Now when they heard this, they were convicted in their heart;
Opposite and they said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, “Men, brethren: what shall we do?”
Complement Then Peter said to them, “Repent; and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ as a sign of the forgiveness of sins.
Complement “And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit: for the promise is unto you and your children, and to all that are far away, even ‘as many as [Jehovah] our God shall call.’”
Unique And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, “Save yourselves from this rebellious generation!”
I want to take a closer look at Acts 2:38 before I move on in our study of Acts Chapter 1, because it is one of the most misunderstood and abused passages of Scripture in all the Bible.
One of the biggest problems with this passage is that the vast majority of Bible versions translate it with a deadly error. The source of their error is the big, liberal denominations who paid for the publication of those Bible versions.
Even the King James Version, which was the best Bible version of the Reformation era, and is still an excellent translation overall, translated this passage with an error, because of the Anglican church teachings on infant baptism: that the water of baptism washes away original sin, similar to the Roman Catholic religion that it came out of; which is called Baptismal Regeneration. In other words, according to this teaching, if you are dunked or sprinkled with water by a preacher/pastor/priest, you will go to Heaven, which is a deadly error that will send you to Hell instead.
The big liberal mainline denominations like the Church of Christ, Methodist, Presbyterian, and liberal Baptists also teach the same error. These liberal denominations supplied the translators for the multitude of modern Bible versions that also translate this passage with the same error. Almost no modern Bible versions translate passages like Acts 2:38 correctly. The error of Baptismal Regeneration is a powerful theological error and a wicked sin that permeates all churches except Fundamental, Bible-believing churches, usually Baptist.
I will not go over the previous study material on Acts 2:38 again; but if you missed it, please review the previous studies in Acts for a variety of information about the many false teachings related to it.
I want to focus on the meaning of the Greek word “eis” in this text, but do not worry! I will not get deep into Greek, because it isn’t necessary to understand all of the details. I will break it down for you into simple pieces.
1) Acts 2:38 (King James Version): “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR [or, “eis”] the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
2) Acts 2:38 (Kingdom Study Bible) “Then Peter said to them, “Repent; and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ AS A SIGN OF [or, “eis”] the forgiveness of sins.”
“εις αφεσιν αμαρτιων” (εις can be translated as “unto”, “into”, “with reference to” or “as a sign of”); (αφεσιν αμαρτιων = forgiveness of sins). So the key word we are studying here is “εις” or “eis”. A.T. Robertson, one of the best and well-known Greek Grammarians, said this about “eis”.
“But in Mt. 28:19 and Romans. 6:3f., the notion of sphere is the true one. The same thing may be true of Ac. 2:38, where only the context and the tenor of N. T. teaching can determine whether ‘into,” ‘unto’ or merely “in” or “on” (“upon’) is the right translation, a task for the interpreter, not for the grammarian.” A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research, by A.T. Robertson, 592.
It’s important to note what Mr. Robertson said, and let me paraphrase him to make it clear.
The Greek word “eis” can be translated literally in a number of different ways in the Biblical Koine Greek: into, unto, in, or on/upon. (“With reference to” is another possible literal translation.) The way to correctly translate this word depends on the CONTEXT, not on the word itself. So Robertson said that this was “a task for the interpreter, not the grammarian”.
Many Greek words require knowing the context it is used in, to determine what it’s meaning is, such as “kai”: which can be translated as “and”, “but”, “or”, etc, depending on the Greek words it is used with. “Eis” is similar.
As Robertson said, this is a task for the interpreter, not the Greek grammarian. So let’s see how each of the possible translations of “eis” in Acts 2:38 will actually work to teach us correct and true doctrine that is in harmony with the rest of Scripture:
1) “For”. This is the word that is most commonly used in English Bible versions. I did a sample of several of the most well known versions of this text to see.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/
The following Bible versions use “for”: “be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR the remission of sins” (King James Version, NIV, English Standard Version, NASB and many others.
The worst offender that I noticed was the Phillips NT:
“Peter told them, “You must repent and every one of you must be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, so that you may have your sins forgiven and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
What is wrong with “For” in Acts 2:38? It teaches the false doctrine of “Baptismal Regeneration”, which means that the water of baptism washes away your sins, literally.
This is a doctrine which is taught by the big liberal Denominations: Episcopal/Anglican church of England, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, liberal Baptists, which includes many Pentecostal groups, Charismatic groups, and so on.
Fundamental Bible-Believing Christians reject Baptismal Regeneration, because it contradicts Scripture in many places, which I have discussed in previous studies. Water cannot wash away sin, because only the Blood of Jesus Christ can do that. If water could wash away our sins, then why did Jesus die on the cross in the first place? Satan wants you to believe in Baptismal Regeneration, because you will certainly go to Hell if you trust in water rather than the Blood of Jesus that He shed on the cross for our sins.
“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the Gospel which I preached to you, which also you have received, and in which you stand. By which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached to you, unless you have believed in vain: for I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
“For there is no difference, because all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the passing over of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness, so that God might be just, and the justifier of him who believes in Jesus.” Romans 3:22b - 26
2) “Unto”: “be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ UNTO the forgiveness of sins”. (American Standard Version)
What in the world does that mean? Yes, it is a “literal” translation of “eis”, but it makes no sense. One hallmark of a correct translation is that it makes sense. If it doesn’t, then you know that the translation is incorrect.
3) “Into”: “be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ INTO the forgiveness of sins”.
Hmmm, “into the forgiveness of sins” is also suspect, since it smacks of sins being forgiven because you were dunked in water. The Bible doesn’t teach Baptismal Regeneration.
4) “With reference to”: “be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ WITH REFERENCE TO the forgiveness of sins”.
Now we are getting to a better translation, but it still lacks clarity. Baptism is certainly an act which “has reference to” or “refers” to the forgiveness of sins.
However, what exactly does that mean? A theologian who has formal training in the original languages has the tools to be able to study out this subject and come to a good understanding, but the vast majority of Christian people have no Biblical training. So, this is why they need a good, solid Bible version that will take the original language and convert that to a literal (if possible) translation in their own language; or, a translation that is less than literal, but brings out the correct theology and understanding to the reader.
“With reference to” leaves most Christians very high and dry. They don’t have the theological training to use this translation.
5) “As a sign of”: “be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ AS A SIGN OF the forgiveness of sins”. (The Kingdom Study Bible, by JHS Publishing Ministries).
In this translation of “as a sign of”, I believe that we have the best translation possible: a translation that accurately conveys the true meaning of baptism, because water baptism is a sign that you have repented of your sins, and received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior; and your sins were forgiven when you did that. Being baptized in deep water in front of other Believers in Jesus is an act or a sign that proclaims to the world that your sins have been forgiven in Jesus Christ by faith: it is a sign to other Believers and to the world at large.
Let’s summarize:
1) Most Bible versions do not correctly translate Acts 2:38, because they incorrectly translate “eis” as “for”, which teaches Baptismal Regeneration, a false doctrine.
2) Does this mean that you cannot use these other Bible versions? In my opinion, most modern Bible versions are poor in translation quality and riddled with doctrinal errors. The King James Version is one of the few that is still usable, because errors such as in Acts 2:38 are few and far between. The main problem with the KJV is the out of date nature of “thee”, “thou” and so on. The few translation errors in the KJV can be easily found by diligent students of Scripture, and noted when the errors are brought up during studies.
3) Why not use the Kingdom Study Bible instead of these other versions with the translation errors? The KBV is my Bible version, which incorporates the Golden Ratio design arrangement that no other Bible version has. You can view the KBV on my website (arrangement and text) at this link:
How to be saved
The Bible clearly states that salvation can only be obtained if we repent and believe in Jesus Christ in order to be saved.
Luke 13:3: “I say to you, no; but, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
Romans 3:21-24: “But now, the righteousness of God apart from the Law is revealed (being testified by the Law and the Prophets), even the righteousness of God as it is through the faith of Jesus Christ to all and on all who believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and have fallen short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
It is impossible to keep the Law of Moses! The sole purpose of the Law of Moses (the Ten Commandments) is to make you understand that you are a sinner who has sinned against God. It cannot make you righteous in God’s eyes:
Romans 3:19-20: “And we know that whatever the Law says, it says to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be shut, and everyone may become guilty before God; therefore by the works of the Law no flesh shall be justified in His sight: for by the Law is the knowledge of sin.”
Sins can only be paid for by the finished atonement of Jesus Christ on the cross! We cannot pay for our own sins with our suffering, neither in this life nor in the fictitious place called “Purgatory”!
Romans 3:23-26: “For all have sinned, and have fallen short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God has publicly exhibited, to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of past sins, through the patience of God; to declare, I say, at this time his justice; that God may be just, and the justifier of him who believes in Jesus.”
Here is how you can be truly saved TODAY, and know that you have Eternal Life, right now!
The Bible says,
“that if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved: for with the heart, man believes into righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made into salvation: for the Scripture says, “Whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed.” For there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him: for it is written, “whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13
Are you ready to do that? If so, then find a place to pray privately, and pray this prayer with all of your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ:
“Lord Jesus, I know that I have sinned against YOU. I am no good, and you are righteous! You are my only hope for salvation! I believe that you died on the cross for my sins, you were buried, and you rose again from the dead on the third day. I want you to come into my life and be my Lord and Savior. Please come into my heart right now. Forgive me for all my sins, and save my soul. In the mighty Name of Jesus, I pray, Amen!”
If you have turned from your sins and accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and only Savior from sin, please message me through Facebook and let me know that you have done that, so that I can pray for you and rejoice with you in what God has done in your life. Amen.
Hechos Estudio #16: El verdadero significado de “eis” y el bautismo en agua (Hechos 2:38)
¡Si está utilizando un teléfono inteligente, por favor, gírelo al modo horizontal! ¡Gracias!
Todas las citas bíblicas y el arreglo se encuentran exclusivamente en el Reino Estudio Biblia (REB) en español, publicada por los ministerios editoriales Jehová ha hablado.
Está publicado de forma gratuita en formato PDF en este sitio web.
No hay costo ni obligación de descargar este PDF, y ningún la publicidad.
“¡Esta es la obra de Jehová! Es maravilloso a nuestros ojos”. Salmo 118:23
Hechos, Capítulo 1.1: Muchos judíos de la Diáspora creído al evangelio de Jesús Cristo (1:1 - 2:47)
§El complemento Introducción: Jesús dio su Gran Comisión y los apóstoles eligieron un reemplazo para Judas Iscariote (1:1 - 26)
¶Lo opuesto El Señor dio su Gran Comisión a su primera iglesia (y todas las iglesias futuras) para llevar el evangelio a toda la tierra (1:1 - 8))
¶Lo opuesto Los apóstoles echan suertes para elegir un apóstol para reemplazar a Judas Iscariote (1:9 - 26)
§El complemento Cuerpo: Pedro predicó el evangelio a judíos nacidos en el extranjero y unos 5,000 confesaron a Jesús como su Mesías (2:1 - 40)
¶Único Dios derramó su Espíritu Santo sobre los apóstoles; y este milagro atrajo a muchos judíos nacidos en el extranjero (2:1 - 13)
¶El complemento Pedro predicó que el milagro de hablar en idiomas extranjeros provenía de Jehová, el Dios de Israel (2:14 - 21)
¶El complemento Pedro predicó que la crucifixión y resurrección de Jesús también provenían de Jehová, el Dios de Israel (2:22 - 28)
¶Lo opuesto Pedro señaló el derramamiento del Espíritu Santo desde Jehová como prueba de la resurrección de Jesús (2:29 - 36)
¶Lo opuesto Pedro llamó a los judíos a arrepentirse y volverse al cristo, y ser bautizados como señal del perdón de sus pecados (2:37 - 40)
§Único Conclusión: La asamblea en Jerusalén comenzó a expandirse rápidamente con muchos creyentes nuevos (2:41 - 47)
¶El complemento Después del bautismo, los nuevos conversos continuaron en la enseñanza y la comunión de los apóstoles (2:41 - 43)
¶El complemento El crecimiento espiritual de los nuevos conversos resultó en la salvación de más almas (2:44 - 47)
¶Opposite Pedro llamó a los judíos a arrepentirse y volverse a su Mesías, y ser bautizados como señal del perdón de sus pecados (2:37 - 40)
Opposite "Ahora cuando oyeron esto, fueron convencidos en su corazón;
Opposite y le dijeron a Pedro y al resto de los apóstoles: “Varones, hermanos, ¿qué haremos?”.
Complement Entonces Pedro les dijo, “Arrepentíos; y sed bautizado cada uno de ustedes en el Nombre de Jesucristo como una señal del perdón de los pecados.
Complement Y recibiréis el don del Espíritu Santo: porque la promesa es para ustedes y tus hijos, y para todos los que están lejos, incluso ‘tantos como [Jehová] nuestro Dios llamará’”.
Unique Y con muchas otras palabras, testificó y exhortó, diciendo: “¡Salvaos desde esta generación perversa!”.
Introducción
La traducción al español de este estudio está pendiente.
¿Exactamente cómo y cuándo naciste de nuevo?
He aprendido por experiencia que aquellos que se niegan a responder lo hacen porque nunca han nacido de nuevo; no tienen idea de lo que significa, y por eso no pueden responder.
Si ese es tu caso, entonces tu destino eterno en este momento es el Infierno; y más tarde, el Lago de Fuego.
Afortunadamente, podemos cambiar nuestro destino eterno del Infierno al Cielo, si nos arrepentimos de nuestros pecados y recibimos a Jesucristo como nuestro Salvador personal.
Primero, debemos creer que Jesús es el Hijo de Dios; que fue crucificado por nuestros pecados, que fue sepultado y que resucitó de entre los muertos al tercer día.
Romanos 10:8-11: “Pero ¿qué dice? “La Palabra está cerca de ti, incluso en tu boca y en tu corazón”, es decir, la Palabra de fe (que predicamos), que si confesarás con tu boca al Señor Jesús, y creerás en tu corazón que Dios le levantó de los muertos, tú serás salvado: porque con el corazón, el hombre cree para justicia, y con la boca, la confesión se hace para la salvación: porque la Escritura dice, “cualquiera que en él creyere, no será avergonzado”.
Entonces, debemos arrepentirnos de nuestros pecados e invocar el Nombre del Señor Jesús para salvarnos.
Romanos 10:12-13: “Porque no hay diferencia entre el judio y el gentil: porque el mismo Señor sobre todo es rico a todos los que le invocan: porque está escrito, “Cualquiera que llamará sobre el Nombre del Señor será salvado”.
Juan 1:12: “Pero cuantos le recibieron, él les dio autoridad para convertirse los niños de Dios: incluso a aquellos quien creen sobre su Nombre”.
Cuando hacemos eso, entonces nacemos de nuevo instantáneamente en el Reino de Dios.
Estas listo para hacer eso? Si es así, entonces busca un lugar para orar en privado y haz esta oración con todo tu corazón al Señor Jesucristo:
“Señor Jesús, sé que he pecado contra TI. ¡No soy bueno y usted eres justo! Creo que moriste en la cruz por mis pecados, fuiste enterrado y resucitaste de entre los muertos al tercer día. Quiero que vengas a mi vida y seas mi Señor y Salvador. Por favor entra en mi corazón ahora mismo. Perdóname por todos mis pecados y salva mi alma. En el poderoso Nombre de Jesús, oro, ¡Amén!”
Si se apartó de sus pecados y aceptó a Jesucristo como su Señor y único Salvador desde el pecado, por favor envíeme un mensaje a través de Facebook y hágame saber que lo ha hecho, para que pueda orar por usted y alegrarme con usted en lo que Dios tiene hecho en tu vida. Amén.