Water Baptism, Remission of Sin? What does Paul answer to this?

Let’s look at Acts 2:38 in its own context.

Acts 2:38 KJV
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

First thing to notice: who is being spoken to?

Acts 2:22 KJV
“Ye men of Israel, hear these words…”

Peter is addressing Israel, not the Gentiles, and not the Body of Christ revelation given later to Paul.

Acts 2:37 KJV
“Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

They are responding because they were convicted for rejecting and crucifying their Messiah.

So Peter’s instruction is: Repent – a change of mind about Jesus being Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36 context)
Be baptized – water baptism as an outward response
For the remission of sins – connected to that specific kingdom setting and national repentance of Israel

Now compare this with what Paul teaches later.

Ephesians 1:7 KJV
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins…”

Colossians 1:14 KJV
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”

Paul consistently ties forgiveness to the blood of Christ, not water baptism.

Then notice what Paul himself says about baptism:

1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel…”

If water baptism was the condition for remission in the same way for the Church today, it would not be separated from Paul’s gospel like this.

And the clearest contrast:

Acts 2:38 – repentance + baptism + remission
Paul’s gospel – faith in Christ’s finished work and His blood

Ephesians 1:13 KJV
“…after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”

No water baptism condition here, only believing.

So based strictly on the KJV context:

Acts 2:38 is addressed to Israel in a kingdom context under Peter’s ministry.
Paul later reveals the gospel where forgiveness is through the blood of Christ and sealing comes by believing, not water baptism.

The key question is not only “what does Acts 2:38 say,” but also “who is it spoken to, and what revelation is being given at that time.”