A Post about Acts 2:38
You knew it had to be coming at some point. I preach for a Church of Christ and have yet to write about Acts 2:38.
Today, though, I want to answer a question that I was recently asked concerning this verse.
I got a text the other day from a wonderful Christian man who is a very “study-minded” guy. From the interaction I’ve had with him, it is quite obvious that he is a thinker.
He texted me and told me that he had recently bought a study Bible to help him out. He was very concerned, though, because the study notes in both Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16 seemed to make it as though baptism was not necessary to salvation. In fact, in that particular Bible, he said the notes for those verses clearly stated that baptism is not essential to salvation, but belief is the only requirement.
I think you know where I stand on the essential nature of baptism. Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16 (and quite a few other passages, by the way) make it abundantly clear that baptism is the door of entry into the Kingdom of God.
But what I want to talk about in this post is the need to think.
What? Where did that come from?
It comes from this fact: just because it says “study Bible” on the outside does not mean that every word of the comments and notes is true!
You see, if a major publisher put that baptism is essential to salvation in their notes, they would be slammed by the broader Christian world, and that Bible would not sell. So, because the false doctrine of faith only is so popular, there is no need to go against it in these types of books.
I like study Bibles. I have four [see below], and often refer to them, both in my personal study as well as in sermon preparation. They are helpful in spurring thoughts and in helping me see concepts I might not have considered.
But the notes are not inspired!
Be very selective in getting a study Bible. And, no matter which one you might have or purchase, always read the notes with your brain on. The notes and comments are just that: the thoughts of people who make mistakes.
It may be simplistic to take Acts 2:38 at face value, but I think God is able to express Himself that clearly. Let’s just do what He requires.
QUESTION: Do you have a favorite study Bible? What are some strengths and weaknesses of it?
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NOTE: I have four study Bibles, but here are the two that I refer to the most.
1. MacArthur’s Study Bible (NASB)
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Photo credit: George Bannister on Creative Commons
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