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.” This is the promise that Peter gave to those who repented and were baptized. On the other hand, Paul follows this same pattern of teaching when preaching to the Gentiles. The Ephesians had heard the word of truth, believed, 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).