2:16 2:16

Acts 2:17

2:18 2:18

Bible Versions

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
And {G2532} it shall come to pass {G2071} in {G1722} the last {G2078} days {G2250}, saith {G3004} God {G2316}, I will pour out {G1632} of {G575} my {G3450} Spirit {G4151} upon {G1909} all {G3956} flesh {G4561}: and {G2532} your {G5216} sons {G5207} and {G2532} your {G5216} daughters {G2364} shall prophesy {G4395}, and {G2532} your {G5216} young men {G3495} shall see {G3700} visions {G3706}, and {G2532} your {G5216} old men {G4245} shall dream {G1798} dreams {G1797}:
‘Adonai says:
“In the Last Days,
I will pour out from my Spirit upon everyone.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams:

Commentary on Acts 2:17 (KJV)

Acts 2:17 is a pivotal verse, as it records the Apostle Peter's declaration on the Day of Pentecost, explaining the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This verse is a direct quotation from the Old Testament prophet Joel, signifying that the events unfolding are not random but a fulfillment of divine prophecy.

Context

This verse is part of Peter's powerful sermon delivered to a diverse crowd in Jerusalem during the Feast of Pentecost. Moments before, the disciples had been filled with the Holy Spirit, leading them to speak in various languages, astonishing and confusing many onlookers. Some even accused them of being drunk. Peter, standing with the other apostles, rises to address the crowd, asserting that what they are witnessing is not intoxication but the long-awaited fulfillment of God's promise. He specifically points to the prophecy found in the book of Joel 2:28-32, which foretold a universal outpouring of God's Spirit.

Key Themes

  • The Dawn of the "Last Days": Peter declares that the outpouring of the Spirit marks the beginning of the "last days" (Greek: eschatais hemerais). This doesn't signify the immediate end of the world, but rather the inauguration of the Messianic era, the period between Christ's first and second comings, characterized by the Spirit's presence and activity.
  • Universal Outpouring of the Spirit: The prophecy states God will "pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh." This was a revolutionary concept. In the Old Testament, the Spirit typically came upon select individuals (prophets, priests, kings) for specific tasks. Here, it signifies a widespread, generous, and indiscriminate giving of the Spirit to all believers, regardless of social status, age, or gender. This inclusivity foreshadows the New Testament's radical message of equality in Christ.
  • Empowerment for Divine Communication: The verse details the manifestations of this spiritual outpouring: "your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams." This illustrates that God's communication and empowerment are no longer limited to an elite few but are available to all who receive His Spirit. Prophecy here often refers to forth-telling God's truth under divine inspiration, not solely foretelling the future.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "pour out" (Greek: ekcheo) implies an abundant and generous giving, like liquid flowing freely. It emphasizes the lavishness of God's gift of the Holy Spirit. The term "prophesy" (Greek: propheteuo) encompasses both the foretelling of future events and, more broadly, the inspired proclamation of God's message, whether it be teaching, exhortation, or revelation.

Practical Application

Acts 2:17 reminds us that we live in the age of the Holy Spirit's indwelling and empowerment. God continues to pour out His Spirit today, enabling believers of all ages and backgrounds to understand and communicate His truth. This verse encourages us to recognize the active role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the church, empowering us for witness, service, and spiritual understanding. It underscores that God can use anyone—young or old, male or female—to accomplish His divine purposes and reveal His will through various means.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 44:3

    For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

  • Titus 3:4

    But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

  • Titus 3:6

    Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

  • Acts 10:45

    And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

  • John 7:39

    (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
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