"Pierced to the heart," the Jews then responded by crying out, "Brethren,
what shall we do?" Thus, these Jews realized the sins they had committed,
and they now wanted to know...what? What to do now that they were already
forgiven? Or, aren't they wanting to know what to do in order to be
forgiven? If eis aphesin hamartiwn means "because you have already been
forgiven," then these Jews were already in a forgiven state--even as they
cried out, "Brethren, what shall we do?"
In other words, in Acts 2:38, is Peter telling _already-forgiven_ people what
to do now that they have been forgiven? Or, isn't he instead--in answer to
their question--telling them they need to repent and be baptized in the name
of Jesus Christ _in order to be forgiven_?
Don Partain
1316 Murray
Missoula, MT 59802