It
will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.
Acts 2:17-18
Acts 2 [14.] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words. For these aren’t drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:
Acts 2 [17.] ‘It will be in the last days, says God,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Your sons and your daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions.
Your old men will dream dreams.
Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days,
I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the sky above,
and signs on the earth beneath;
blood, and fire, and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood,
before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
It will be that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Meaning:
- Key Themes:
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit: The central theme is the promise of the Holy Spirit's outpouring. This aligns with Joel's prophecy, emphasizing a divine effusion that transcends age, gender, and social status.
Inclusive Participation in Prophesy: The prophecy includes a broad spectrum of people—sons, daughters, young men, old men, servants, and handmaidens. This inclusivity signifies the democratization of the prophetic experience, breaking down societal barriers.
Visions and Dreams: The mention of visions for young men and dreams for old men underscores the diverse ways in which the Holy Spirit communicates. It encompasses a multifaceted manifestation of God's guidance and revelation.
- Significance:
Democratization of Spiritual Experience: Acts 2:17-18 underscores the idea that the Holy Spirit's outpouring is not limited to a select few but is accessible to all, irrespective of age, gender, or social standing. This democratization aligns with the inclusive nature of the Gospel.
Empowerment for Prophetic Ministry: The mention of prophesying signifies not only the foretelling of future events but also the declaration of God's truths. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to bear witness, share the Gospel, and speak God's word with authority.
Relevance Today:
Empowerment for All Believers: Acts 2:17-18 remains relevant today by emphasizing that every believer, regardless of background or status, is a recipient of the Holy Spirit's empowering presence. It encourages a vibrant and participatory faith where all can engage in God's mission.
Diversity in God's Kingdom: The vision of sons and daughters prophesying, young men having visions, and old men dreaming dreams speaks to the richness of diversity within the body of believers. It affirms that everyone has a role to play in God's unfolding plan.
Cross-References:
Joel 2:28-29: "It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. And also on the servants and on the handmaids in those days, I will pour out my Spirit." Acts 2:17-18 directly quotes and fulfills Joel's prophecy.
Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Paul echoes the theme of inclusivity, emphasizing the oneness of believers in Christ.
In Conclusion: Acts 2:17-18 stands as a foundational proclamation of the Holy Spirit's outpouring, breaking down barriers and empowering a diverse community of believers for prophetic ministry. It resonates with the ongoing work of the Spirit, inviting every follower of Christ to actively participate in the unfolding narrative of God's kingdom.