Acts 2:16

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

But {G235} this {G5124} is {G2076} that which was spoken {G2046} by {G1223} the prophet {G4396} Joel {G2493};

No, this is what was spoken about through the prophet Yo’el:

No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

but this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel:

Commentary

In Acts 2:16, the Apostle Peter stands before a bewildered crowd on the Day of Pentecost, offering a profound explanation for the miraculous events unfolding around them. Disciples were speaking in other tongues, leading some observers to mockingly suggest they were drunk (Acts 2:13).

Context

This verse marks the pivot point in Peter's powerful sermon, moving from addressing the immediate confusion to providing a theological framework. The scene is Jerusalem, fifty days after the Passover, during the Jewish festival of Pentecost (Shavuot). The sudden, audible rush of a mighty wind and the appearance of cloven tongues as of fire resting on each disciple (Acts 2:2-3), followed by their speaking in diverse languages, naturally drew a large crowd. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, seizes this moment not to defend against the accusations of drunkenness, but to declare that what they are witnessing is nothing less than the direct fulfillment of ancient prophecy.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The core message is that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not a random or chaotic event, but the precise realization of God's foretold plan. Peter immediately points to the Old Testament, grounding the new spiritual reality in the established word of God. This validates the Christian message by showing its deep roots in divine promise.
  • The Age of the Spirit: Peter's declaration signifies the inauguration of a new dispensation, an era where the Holy Spirit, previously given to select prophets and kings, is now poured out "upon all flesh" (Acts 2:17, quoting Joel). This universal availability of the Spirit's power and presence is a hallmark of the New Covenant.
  • Divine Validation: The miraculous phenomena serve as undeniable signs that God is actively working. Peter’s explanation directs attention away from human agency and towards God's sovereign hand in orchestrating these events.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel" directly translates the Greek `τοῦτο δέ ἐστιν τὸ εἰρημένον` (touto de estin to eiremenon), which emphatically means "this is the very thing that was spoken." This construction leaves no room for doubt: the current events are the precise manifestation of Joel's ancient words. The reference to "the prophet Joel" immediately directs the audience's attention to the book of Joel, specifically Joel 2:28-32, which Peter proceeds to quote in the following verses.

Significance and Application

Acts 2:16 is a foundational verse for understanding the nature of the Holy Spirit's work in the church. It teaches us that God's plan unfolds in history precisely as He declares it. For believers today, this means:

  • Trusting God's Word: Just as Joel's prophecy was fulfilled, we can trust that all of God's promises in Scripture will come to pass.
  • Recognizing Divine Activity: We are called to discern God's hand at work in our world and in the church, understanding that spiritual phenomena are often rooted in divine purpose.
  • Embracing the Spirit's Power: The Pentecost event underscores the accessibility of the Holy Spirit's power for all believers, enabling them for witness and service, as promised by Jesus (Acts 1:8). This verse sets the stage for the entire book of Acts, which chronicles the Spirit-empowered expansion of the early church.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
The Historical Reliability of the Book of Acts An Analysis of Peter's Sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2) 3 Key Turning Points in the Book of Acts Peter's Sermon at Pentecost An Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles: The Birth of the Church

Cross-References

  • Joel 2:28

    ¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

  • Joel 2:32

    And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
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