Acts; Joel's Prophecy

June 24

Read: Acts 2:14-41

Acts;

Joel’s Prophecy

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (v. 41)

The pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost - this deepening and greater manifestation of the Spirit’s presence in and amongst his people - was a much bigger deal than we realize! Can you imagine 3000 people coming to the Lord that day ?! This was indeed the time that Joel had written about in his prophecies centuries earlier. The words of the Lord were coming to pass after all that time waiting… the promise was being fulfilled.

The words of Joel are quite clear:

“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy…” (v.17,18)

God is pouring his Spirit abundantly out on all of his people; it is no longer something for only a select few. This “pouring out” is so broad among the people of God that it includes male and female, young and old, and even “servants” as well as masters. It is the entire scope of the people of God. This work of the Spirit comes with even greater and deeper ways of God communicating with his people. Notice how much of the scene here in Acts represents God communicating to not only those who were already his… but also to those who did not yet know him and were being drawn to follow Christ! For instance:

God communicated through the sound of rushing wind and the visual experience of fire to those brothers already gathered in the room. (v. 2:1-4)

Those gathered then began to communicate on behalf of the Lord to the “devout men” gathered in Jerusalem. (v. 2:5,6)

Peter then began to speak to this crowd  (potentially a crowd of up to three thousand people. We know that was the end result of people added that day…) and declare the truth of the scriptures citing Joel and David’s writings. (v. 2:14)

The Prophecy of Joel that was the answer to what these men were experiencing is a prophecy that lists the ways that this “pouring out” will impact the people of God: prophesy, visions, dreams, show wonders, and signs. Do you  notice how these are all tools of communication… God speaking to and through. (v.2:17-21)

God is speaking ! He is communicating. He is not hiding or with-holding… he is not giving humanity the “silent treatment”. Quite the opposite! God is going out of his way to speak to us, and declare his work in us and through us! This is not something reserved only for the “special Christians” or “professional holy people’… it is for ALL of God’s people. And it is POWERFUL… it is EFFECTIVE… it WORKS. 3000 souls were added that day! The 120 drew to 3120 in such a short time. God was radically and powerfully calling a people to himself.

There is a “debate” amongst some Christians about who was present in the room in Acts 2:1 - whether it was the entire 120 followers (Acts 1:15) or only the 12. There are some who want to limit this “pouring out” of the Spirit to only a select few. This to me seems foolish! Joels words are the OPPOSITE of exclusivity in terms of what people of God receive the Spirit. Likewise, Peter’s own words declared to the crowd: “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)  The passage itself affirms that EVERYONE who responds in repentance and baptism to Christ will receive the Holy Spirit. And when the Spirit moves, lives are transformed!

3000 people came to Christ that day. God inaugurated the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy… he was launching us into “the last days”. (cf. Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:1-) God is communicating with his people and “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved!” (Acts 2:21) God still speaks. Through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Listen for his “voice” today. Expect him to work powerfully… because he is! Realize that what God is doing is bigger than what you and I can totally grasp! What a time to be walking with the Lord! Love you guys. - JDP