Category: Musings on Baptism
Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ-- this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself." And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!" So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:36-47, emphasis mine).
Peter preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to a group of sinners, and when they understood their wickedness they immediately desired to learn whether there was something they could do to be forgiven. Peter proclaimed that they would be forgiven if they would repent and be baptized into the name of Jesus Christ. Those who believed Peter's message were baptized. That day! 3,000 of them! There was no delay in being baptized, nor was there an altar call for "accepting Jesus into their hearts." Their profession of faith was their baptism.
What's more, Peter attached the gift of the Holy Spirit to their repentance and baptism. And, he affirmed that everyone, everywhere, who repents and is baptized will receive the Holy Spirit.
The subsequent behavior of those who repented and were baptized included being taught the commands of Christ, fellowship together, eating together, praying together, and sharing with anyone in financial need.
But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. And even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip; and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed (Acts 8:12-13).
Those who believed Philip's message of the gospel were baptized (sooner than later). Women are specifically mentioned as being included in those who were baptized.