Monthly Archive: February 2022

The Ephesian believers in Acts 19 and John’s baptism to repentance

When Paul spoke to some disciples of John the Baptist in Acts 19, he pointed out to them that John’s baptism was a baptism to repentance–a changed way of life–not as an end in itself, but leading to Jesus and a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Burning Cultural Bridges? Repentance and Paul in Athens, Acts 17:22-31

Paul’s speech to the rulers of Athens in the Areopagus was a long exercise in deliberate irony, first building and then promptly burning cultural bridges. Paul did this to show them the folly of their deliberate ignorance of the true God.

Paul’s sermon at Pisidian Antioch places repentance in John the Baptist’s message, Acts 13:24

Paul’s use of the word “repentance” in Antioch in Pisidia did not directly connect it with obedience. However, his references to the preaching of John the Baptist and to the contrast between Kings Saul and David implied this connection.

God gave the Gentiles repentance, Acts 11:18

When God gave the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house, what this showed the Jewish believers was that God had given them repentance leading to life.