22:16 arise, and be baptized. See note on Acts 9:18.

22:16 wash away thy sins. Baptism may symbolize the washing away of one’s sins, just as it symbolizes death to the old life and rising to a new life (Romans 6:4-5). But just as one does not really die while in the water, neither can physical water wash away moral and spiritual sins. These are the metaphors of baptism. The reality which they speak about is a new life in Christ, with sins forgiven and the assurance of everlasting life, received through faith in Christ as Lord and the regenerating work of the indwelling Spirit of God. Sins really are “washed away” by regeneration (Titus 3:5).