033 DRRIC Biblical Articles: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
033 DRRIC Biblical Articles “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” June 6, 2025
Acts 2:37-38
37. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38. Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Greetings, precious soul,
We have just read Acts 2:37–38. If you have the time, it is certainly worthwhile to read the entire chapter. Remarkable things are happening. We see the disciples gathered together on the day of Pentecost. They were together and had the same purpose. Suddenly, they heard a loud sound from heaven, like a strong wind. Then, something like flames appeared and came to rest on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages.
Many Jews from various countries were in Jerusalem and heard about the great works of God in their own languages. Some are perplexed, while others mock.
Peter stood up and explained that this was not drunkenness, but the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. God is pouring out His Spirit on all flesh. He tells them about Jesus. God showed who He was through miracles. People crucified Him, but God raised Him from the dead. Jesus is now exalted and, together with the Father, has poured out the Spirit. Peter says clearly in Acts 2:36:
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
This brings us to our main text: Acts 2:37–38. The people were deeply moved by Peter’s message: “What shall we do, men and brethren?”
The people in Jerusalem were deeply touched when Peter preached. What they heard was not just human words but a message with the power of the Holy Spirit. This fulfilled what Jesus had said earlier: that the Holy Spirit would come to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and that He would not speak on His own authority but would declare everything He had heard from Christ (John 16:8–15). God’s Spirit points us to Christ, the living Word, and makes that Word alive in our hearts.
God’s Spirit still works through the Word, which is full of life and power just as it was on Pentecost. For “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). That is why it is very important not only to hear the Word but also to take it to heart. For it is through the Word that God speaks and opens hearts. And where the Word enters, that one question naturally arises: “What shall I do?”
It is a serious question, spoken from the mouths of those deeply pierced by the Word. Peter’s sermon on Pentecost was powerful. The things the prophets said had come true. Jesus, crucified by men, was made both Lord and Messiah by God. His death and resurrection were not accidental but part of God’s plan of salvation.
For in Acts 2:37 we read: “They were cut to the heart.” This is not a shallow emotion, but a deep inner piercing. The Greek word used here, katenygēsan (κατενύγησαν), literally means “pierced through.” Not the human voice, but the Word of God, carried by the Spirit, penetrated deeply. As Hebrews 4:12 says:
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
That sincere, searching question naturally follows: “What shall we do?” It is the response of a heart broken open by the Word. The people didn’t just turn to Peter, but to all the apostles. That emphasizes their unity. They spoke with authority, as eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. They were the foundation of the church, with Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
But even today, the Holy Spirit works through that same Word. He convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He opens hearts. He presents us with the same question: How will you respond? Have you known that conviction of sin? Have you heard the voice of God saying, “Turn back”? Have you truly repented and do you live with the awareness that you have received forgiveness and are filled with the Holy Spirit?
Peter responds with what he himself had learned from Jesus: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
That call still applies. Repentance is not a religious duty or an emotional decision but an inward turning, a work of God in the heart of man. It means turning your back on sin and opening your heart to God. It means letting go of your own way and trusting in the path Christ has gone before you. The Greek word metanoia—repentance—literally refers to a change of thinking, a turning around. It is as if you are walking down a dead-end road, realize it, and turn back. That is the movement of grace: away from yourself, toward Christ.
Peter’s words struck deep. And it didn’t end with emotion. That day, three thousand people repented. They turned away from their old life and turned to God. For when the Word, carried by the Spirit, touches the heart, it never remains without fruit. What happened then still happens today: God’s Spirit works through the Word. He opens hearts, convicts of sin, and leads to new life. And His promise remains: forgiveness, renewal, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. What will you do with that call? Don’t postpone the question.
If the Word touches your heart, bend your knees. Ask God: “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (Acts 9:6) Return to God. Trust in Jesus. Be saved. Amen.