Thursday 16 April 2026

Psalm 29

Background
Today we are continuing to read about Peter's first sermon. It produced a heartfelt response from his hearers, resulting in 3000 people being baptised!

The question “What should we do?” (verse 37) is the same question that was put to John the Baptist in Luke 3:10-12 when he was “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3).

The repentance required may be specifically connected with Peter’s repeated message that 'you' (his listeners) have crucified Jesus (Acts 2:23, 38) but may also be a more general call to “save yourselves from this corrupt generation” (verse 40).

Baptism is now to be done 'in the name of Jesus Christ' and will lead to the gift of the Holy Spirit as well as the forgiveness of sins. This confirms John the Baptist’s teaching that “I baptise you with water, but one who is more powerful than I … will baptise you with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 3:16).

Verses 38-39 are part of the baptism services in the Methodist Worship Book. We continue the tradition, started by the Early Church, of using baptism as a sign of entry into the Christian community. In the baptism service, the reading of Acts 2:38-39 is immediately followed by this question: “Having heard these things, how do your respond to the offer of God’s grace?” 'These things' refer not simply to the verse from Acts but also to the opening declaration about the nature of baptism.

I’m struck by the importance of making a response both in the baptism liturgy and in Acts 2. Baptism may be our first response to the call of God, but it should never be our last. Every time we hear or read the word of God, a response is asked of us.

To Ponder:

• What response is God asking of you today?
• What does baptism mean for you?

Prayer
Lord, we pray to receive your Holy Spirit, that was promised to us, to our children, and to all. May we respond to your call each and every day. Amen.

(First published in 2020.)