I have been studying the Bible with one of the college students here in Athens. He has agreed with everything until baptism. My question about Acts 2:38 is, What is the meaning of the word for when it's used in the Greek text? I've noticed this is constantly brought up in discussions on baptism. Does it mean "in order to get"? Any help would be much appreciated. --Dan Davis (Athens, Georgia)
In Acts 2:38, eis aphesin ton harmartion humon, is indeed correctly translated "for the forgiveness of your sins." This is the sense that is communicated in over 99% of all translations in all languages. So don't let anyone tell you that eis doesn't really mean what it says. Ask this fellow, "Are you a Greek expert?" If he is not, he is being either dishonest or irrational.
If I were you, I would focus more on the issue of repentance than on the issue of baptism. It strikes closer to the heart. Following this track, you are also less likely to get involved in unpleasant discussions (2 Timothy 2:23-26).
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