Acts 2:16 - But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:
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What does "Acts 2:16" mean?
When Acts 2:16 says "But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:", it means that the miraculous events happening at Pentecost, specifically the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the disciples speaking in other languages, are the fulfillment of a prophecy made by the prophet Joel.
Here's a breakdown:
"But this is...": This phrase introduces Peter's explanation of what the crowd is witnessing. It's a transition from the general astonishment and questions to a specific interpretation rooted in scripture.
"...what has been spoken...": This indicates that Peter is referring to a prophecy, a message from God revealed to humanity through a chosen individual.
"...through the prophet Joel...": This clearly identifies the source of the prophecy as the Old Testament prophet Joel. Peter is about to quote a specific passage from the Book of Joel.
In essence, Peter is saying, "Don't be confused or dismissive. This isn't just random chaos. This is something God foretold long ago through his prophet Joel."
Context and Significance:
Joel's Prophecy (Joel 2:28-32): Peter goes on to quote Joel 2:28-32, which speaks of a time when God will pour out his Spirit on all people, resulting in prophecy, dreams, visions, and miraculous signs. This outpouring will be for men and women, young and old, slaves and free. Importantly, it also connects this outpouring with salvation: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Fulfillment: Peter's point is that the events of Pentecost are the beginning of the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. The Holy Spirit is being poured out, enabling believers to speak in tongues (languages they hadn't learned), demonstrating the Spirit's power and marking the beginning of the new covenant era.
Connecting Old and New Testaments: This verse highlights a key element of early Christian preaching: demonstrating how Jesus and the events surrounding him (including the coming of the Holy Spirit) were foretold in the Old Testament. It legitimizes the new faith by grounding it in the established scriptures of Judaism.
Universal Scope: The fact that the Holy Spirit is being poured out on "all people" (as Joel prophesied and as is being witnessed at Pentecost) signifies the broadening of God's covenant beyond just the Jewish people to include all who believe in Jesus.
Call to Action: By connecting the events to Joel's prophecy of salvation for those who call on the name of the Lord, Peter sets the stage for his sermon, which ultimately leads many to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:37-41).
In short, Acts 2:16 is a critical verse that establishes the theological significance of Pentecost. It links the miraculous events to Old Testament prophecy, demonstrates the fulfillment of God's plan, and paves the way for the spread of the Gospel to all nations. It's a pivotal moment in the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant in Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:16 - But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:
What does "Acts 2:16" mean?
When Acts 2:16 says "But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:", it means that the miraculous events happening at Pentecost, specifically the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the disciples speaking in other languages, are the fulfillment of a prophecy made by the prophet Joel.
Here's a breakdown:
"But this is...": This phrase introduces Peter's explanation of what the crowd is witnessing. It's a transition from the general astonishment and questions to a specific interpretation rooted in scripture.
"...what has been spoken...": This indicates that Peter is referring to a prophecy, a message from God revealed to humanity through a chosen individual.
"...through the prophet Joel...": This clearly identifies the source of the prophecy as the Old Testament prophet Joel. Peter is about to quote a specific passage from the Book of Joel.
In essence, Peter is saying, "Don't be confused or dismissive. This isn't just random chaos. This is something God foretold long ago through his prophet Joel."
Context and Significance:
Joel's Prophecy (Joel 2:28-32): Peter goes on to quote Joel 2:28-32, which speaks of a time when God will pour out his Spirit on all people, resulting in prophecy, dreams, visions, and miraculous signs. This outpouring will be for men and women, young and old, slaves and free. Importantly, it also connects this outpouring with salvation: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Fulfillment: Peter's point is that the events of Pentecost are the beginning of the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. The Holy Spirit is being poured out, enabling believers to speak in tongues (languages they hadn't learned), demonstrating the Spirit's power and marking the beginning of the new covenant era.
Connecting Old and New Testaments: This verse highlights a key element of early Christian preaching: demonstrating how Jesus and the events surrounding him (including the coming of the Holy Spirit) were foretold in the Old Testament. It legitimizes the new faith by grounding it in the established scriptures of Judaism.
Universal Scope: The fact that the Holy Spirit is being poured out on "all people" (as Joel prophesied and as is being witnessed at Pentecost) signifies the broadening of God's covenant beyond just the Jewish people to include all who believe in Jesus.
Call to Action: By connecting the events to Joel's prophecy of salvation for those who call on the name of the Lord, Peter sets the stage for his sermon, which ultimately leads many to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:37-41).
In short, Acts 2:16 is a critical verse that establishes the theological significance of Pentecost. It links the miraculous events to Old Testament prophecy, demonstrates the fulfillment of God's plan, and paves the way for the spread of the Gospel to all nations. It's a pivotal moment in the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant in Jesus Christ.