We have already emphasized the irrevocable nature of God’s plan and promises that elicit thoughts of hope and assurance. His promises are as good as done. On the one hand, Peter, speaking by the Holy Spirit, told those Jews on Pentecost to “repent, and be baptized for the remission of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” On the other hand, Paul follows the same pattern of teaching with the Gentiles. The Ephesians had heard the word of truth, believed[1], and were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (cf. Acts 1:4, Galatians 3:14). Consider the chart below to study the parallel passages.
| RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL | GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT | |
| PETER | Repent & Be Baptized… | …will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit |
| PAUL | Heard the gospel & Believed | …sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise |
In the case of the Jews, it was a promise that would be fulfilled in the future and upon obedience to Peter’s command. In this context regarding the Gentiles, they had already believed and received the promise. Yet, both follow the same pattern of obedience and promise (cf. Acts 19:2).
[1] The word “believed” here is used in a comprehensive sense that includes the same things that Peter taught in Acts 2; namely, repentance and baptism