Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam
It is my understanding that "eis" in Greek is like "for" in English.
It can mean "in order to obtain" or it can mean "because of.'
The classic example is the Wanted Poster
Wanted
Dirty Dalton for (because of) bank robbery.
See local Sheriff for (in order to obtain) reward.
We've argued that Acts 2:38 means "in order to obtain" forgiveness of sins or "because of" forgiveness of sins over and over. We've cited Greek "experts" to prove both theories.
It's safest not to create a dogma on our interpretation of one passage like Acts 2:38. |
It is hard to nail down a Greek preposition like eis into one word like "for". It is quite a flexible Greek word and has a whole range of meanings. The BDAG entry for eis is quite extensive.
I don't think you can build a dogma on a preposition like eis, or even one verse but it does seem that repentance and baptism are linked closely in this verse and baptism is linked closely to conversion in the mind of the author (see also 2:41, 18:8, 22:16). I'm not sure the early Christians would try and break out the two like we do, trying to nail down exactly were forgiveness occurs. I think the both were part of the conversion experience in the minds of the apostles. Just my humble opinion.
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