It is very interesting to compare two statements made by Peter and Paul, just a few chapters apart, in the book of Acts. Both men were speaking about the forgiveness of sins and salvation.
First, Peter in Jerusalem says, “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” (Acts 2:38).
Then, Paul in Antioch some years later says, “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39).
Peter, on the day of Pentecost, is speaking to “all the house of Israel” (Acts 2:36). This is the pinnacle to Peter’s great sermon on the day of Pentecost. Israel had rejected their Messiah and demanded the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth before Pilate (Luke 23:21). Peter does not say, “Christ died for your sins”. The cross is not good news! He is indicting the nation of Israel for their crime, in effect saying, “Israel, you killed your Messiah!” Peter does this repeatedly. See Acts 3:15, 4:10 & 5:30. Repentance here is to acknowledge the man Jesus, whom they crucified as both “Lord” (the Son of God) and “Christ” (the Messiah). Acts 2:36. Peter then adds water baptism to repentance for the remission of sins, (verse 38) and they shall receive the Holy Ghost. This was the message on the day of Pentecost by the apostle Peter.
In contrast is Paul’s message of justification by faith apart from works. He said, “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39). This is consistent with Paul’s gospel message of the cross as good news! “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Paul’s message is: “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (See Romans 3:24-28, 4:5, & I Corinthians 15:3-4) Today, the Holy Spirit is received after belief of the gospel, and salvation is a gift by grace, through faith, apart from works. (Ephesians 1:13 & 2:8-9)
This is not to put Peter and Paul at odds against each other. This is to show that they are preaching Jesus Christ differently. One is not wrong and the other is right. They are just preaching what God gave them at the time. This illustrates the principle of II Timothy 2:15 (KJV) of “rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Paul is saved later, and given a “no difference” salvation apart from works gospel to the Gentiles. He speaks about salvation through the fall and diminishing of Israel (Romans 11:11-15). Salvation today is a free gift received by grace through faith alone. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is now the good news of the gospel to all men!
SUPPLY OF GRACE 
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