When they heard Peter’s speech, the Jews asked the apostles, “What are we to do?” Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.” Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter continues his courageous proclamation of the risen Christ. His proclamation challenges his audience who are moved to respond: “What are we to do?” It is quite notable that their response is similar to the response Jesus elicited from the crowds at the onset of his ministry (cf. Luke 3:10ff). Peter must have become encouraged by the reaction from the crowd, and he did not hesitate to invite them to turn away from their sinful ways: “Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins. It is on account of your sins that you had Jesus crucified. It is on account of your stubbornness that you handed Jesus over to the Romans to be killed. You had Jesus killed because he pointed out your failures and mistakes. But see, getting rid of Jesus has only served to vindicate him, for God has made him both the Christ and Lord. Your move to quickly get rid of him because he was critical of how you were living out your call did not work. The same would be true if you try to get rid of us. Yes, we will be gone and removed from your presence, but you will still be living in your corrupt ways. The only way out for you is to make a radical change in how you live your lives. Stop being corrupt. Take care of the less fortunate. Share your blessings with your brothers and sisters. Put the interests of others before your own. Treat others as you would have them treat you. Practice forgiveness and reconciliation. If you do this, then you will see your community bursting with life once again. This is what Jesus’ life and ministry was all about.”