Acts 22:16

“And now why tarriest thou? etc.] Though it might not be the apostle’s case, yet it is often the case of many, to procrastinate and delay obedience to the commands of Christ, and particularly to the ordinance of baptism: the reasons of which delay are, the strength of their corruptions, and the weakness of their graces, which cause them to question whether they have any interest in Christ; as also fears of falling away, and so of dishonouring Christ, his Gospel, and ordinance: and in some the reproaches of men; and sometimes such a delay is made, waiting for more comfortable frames, or for a greater fitness; but no such delay, nor on such accounts, ought to be; for it is a command of Christ,…”

“be baptized and wash away thy sins--This way of speaking arises from baptism being the visible seal of remission. calling on the name of the Lord--rather, "having called," that is, after having done so; referring to the confession of Christ which preceded baptism, as Act 8:37.”

“And now why tarriest thou? - Why dost thou delay, or wait any longer? These words are not recorded by Luke in Acts 9:0, where he has given an account of the conversion of Paul; but there is nothing here contradictory to his statement. And wash away thy sins - Receive baptism as emblematic of the washing away of sins. It cannot be intended that the external rite of baptism was sufficient to make the soul pure, but that it was an ordinance divinely appointed as expressive of the washing away of sins, or of purifying the heart. Compare Hebrews 10:22. Sinners are represented in the Scriptures as defiled or polluted by sin. “To wash away the sins” denotes “the purifying of the soul from this…”

“Be baptized, and wash away thy sins - Baptism administered to real penitents, is both a means and seal of pardon. Nor did God ordinarily in the primitive Church bestow this on any, unless through this means. Acts 22:17”

“22:16 be baptized. Have your sins washed away: See “Baptism” Theme Note.”

“why: Psa 119:60; Jer 8:14 arise: Act 2:38; Rom 6:3, Rom 6:4; Co1 6:11, Co1 12:13; Gal 3:27; Tit 3:5; Heb 10:22; Pe1 3:21 calling: Act 2:21, Act 9:14; Rom 10:12-14; Co1 1:2 Acts 22:17”