1. Acts 2:38 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does Peter call for baptism in the name of Jesus Christ when Jesus himself told the apostles to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

Acts 2:38 (ESV)

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

At baptism, the person being baptized made a profession of faith in Jesus as Lord (see Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3).1 Most likely this profession took place immediately before the baptism, with the baptism itself being done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The apostles are thus not acting contrary to Jesus’ teaching by baptizing only in his name.