Acts 2:19

KJV

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I will shew {G1325} wonders {G5059} in {G1722} heaven {G3772} above {G507}, and {G2532} signs {G4592} in {G1909} the earth {G1093} beneath {G2736}; blood {G129}, and {G2532} fire {G4442}, and {G2532} vapour {G822} of smoke {G2586}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I will perform miracles in the sky above
and signs on the earth below —
blood, fire and thick smoke.

Berean Standard Bible

I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.

American Standard Version

And I will show wonders in the heaven above, And signs on the earth beneath; Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:19, a direct quotation from the prophet Joel, serves as a powerful declaration within Peter's Pentecost sermon, announcing the dramatic, visible manifestations of God's presence and impending judgment in the "last days." This verse describes a series of awe-inspiring and unsettling phenomena—wonders in the heavens and signs on earth, characterized by blood, fire, and vapor of smoke—that accompany the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and precede the climactic "great and notable day of the Lord." It underscores God's active intervention in human history, signaling a pivotal shift in His redemptive plan and a call to urgent spiritual discernment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:19 is embedded within Peter's pivotal sermon on the Day of Pentecost, immediately following the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the apostles' speaking in various tongues. Peter addresses the bewildered crowd, explaining that these events are not a result of drunkenness but the direct fulfillment of ancient prophecy. He begins his explanation by quoting from [Joel 2:28-32](/joel/2-28-32 "Joel's Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring and Signs"), with Acts 2:19 specifically echoing [Joel 2:30](/joel/2-30 "Joel 2:30 - Wonders and Signs"). This verse, therefore, acts as a crucial link between the Old Testament prophetic tradition and the unfolding events of the New Covenant era, setting the stage for the climactic declaration of the "great and notable day of the Lord" in [Acts 2:20](/acts/2-20 "Acts 2:20 - The Day of the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sermon takes place in Jerusalem during the Jewish feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), a harvest festival commemorating the giving of the Law at Sinai. This gathering of devout Jews from "every nation under heaven" ([Acts 2:5](/acts/2-5 "Acts 2:5 - Multitudes in Jerusalem")) provides a global audience for Peter's message. In the ancient world, and particularly within Jewish apocalyptic thought, "wonders" and "signs" were understood as divine interventions, often preceding significant historical or eschatological events. The imagery of "blood, fire, and vapor of smoke" would have immediately resonated with Old Testament prophetic warnings of divine judgment and theophany, such as those found in [Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai in Smoke and Fire") at Mount Sinai, or in the prophetic books of [Isaiah](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Joel](/joel/2 "Joel 2 - The Day of the Lord"). These phenomena were not merely natural occurrences but divine portents, meant to capture attention and convey a message of impending change.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:19 contributes significantly to several major themes in the book of Acts and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Prophetic Fulfillment**, demonstrating that the events of Pentecost are a direct continuation of God's long-foretold plan, bridging the Old and New Covenants. Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, portraying God as actively involved in human history through supernatural manifestations that reveal His will and purposes. Thirdly, the imagery points to **Eschatological Urgency** and the **"Last Days,"** indicating that humanity has entered a climactic period preceding the ultimate "Day of the Lord." These signs serve as **Warnings and Harbingers of Judgment**, calling for a response from humanity. Finally, by setting the stage for Peter's call to repentance and baptism in [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance"), the verse underscores the theme of **Salvation Amidst Divine Revelation**, presenting an opportunity for deliverance in light of these unfolding cosmic events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **show (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb, G1325, is a prolonged form of a primary verb meaning "to give." In this context, it signifies God's active agency in "showing" or "giving" these wonders and signs. It's not a passive observation but a deliberate divine act of presentation, revealing something to humanity. The action originates from God, emphasizing His sovereign control over these supernatural events.
* **wonders (Greek, _téras'_):** G5059 refers to a "prodigy or omen." It denotes something extraordinary, awe-inspiring, and often terrifying, which elicits astonishment or fear. In the biblical context, *terata* (plural) are phenomena that transcend natural explanation, pointing to a supernatural cause. They are designed to capture attention and demonstrate divine power.
* **signs (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** G4592, neuter of a presumed derivative, means "an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally." While "wonders" (téras) emphasize the extraordinary nature of an event, "signs" (sēmeîon) emphasize its meaning or purpose. A sign is not just a marvel; it conveys a message, points to a deeper truth, or authenticates a divine messenger or message. Together, "wonders and signs" (often paired as *semeia kai terata*) denote supernatural occurrences that are both astounding and meaningful, serving as divine signals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will shew wonders in heaven above,"**: This clause declares God's intention to display extraordinary, awe-inspiring phenomena in the celestial realm. The phrase "in heaven above" (Greek: *en ouranō anō*) specifies the location of these initial manifestations, indicating cosmic disturbances that transcend human control and are clearly divine in origin. These "wonders" (térata) are not random but are divinely ordained spectacles meant to draw attention and evoke a sense of the transcendent.
* **"and signs in the earth beneath;"**: Following the celestial wonders, God promises "signs" (sēmeîon) that will occur "in the earth beneath" (Greek: *epi tēs gēs katō*). This indicates that the divine activity will not be confined to the heavens but will extend to the terrestrial sphere, impacting human existence directly. These "signs" are not merely astounding but are significant indicators, carrying prophetic meaning and serving as divine signals to humanity. The pairing of "wonders" and "signs" across heaven and earth emphasizes the comprehensive scope of God's impending revelation and intervention.
* **"blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:"**: This final phrase specifies the nature of the "signs" on earth, using vivid, apocalyptic imagery. "Blood" can symbolize violence, judgment, or death. "Fire" often represents divine presence, purification, or destructive judgment. "Vapour of smoke" (Greek: *atmida kapnou*) evokes images of destruction, battlefields, or volcanic activity, and can also recall the smoke associated with God's presence on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Shrouded in Smoke")). These elements collectively paint a picture of dramatic, unsettling, and potentially cataclysmic events that serve as a stark warning and a prelude to the "great and notable day of the Lord."

#### Literary Devices
Acts 2:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Apocalyptic Imagery**, drawing heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly Joel. The vivid descriptions of "wonders in heaven above" and "signs in the earth beneath," specified as "blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke," are characteristic of apocalyptic literature, which uses symbolic and often terrifying cosmic phenomena to depict divine judgment and the end of an age. This imagery is not necessarily meant to be interpreted as purely literal but rather to evoke a sense of divine power, impending change, and the seriousness of God's intervention. **Parallelism** is also evident in the structure, contrasting "heaven above" with "earth beneath," and listing three distinct, yet related, elements ("blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke"). This structural balance emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine manifestations across all realms. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is pervasive, where "blood," "fire," and "smoke" are not merely physical elements but carry rich theological meanings associated with judgment, divine presence, and destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:19 underscores the profound theological truth that God actively communicates His will and purposes through both extraordinary and ordinary means, particularly as humanity approaches the culmination of His redemptive plan. The "wonders" and "signs" serve as divine announcements, signaling a significant epochal shift and the imminence of the "Day of the Lord." This verse ties the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost directly to the eschatological expectations of the Old Testament prophets, indicating that the "last days" have indeed begun with the advent of the Messiah and the establishment of His Church. It highlights God's sovereignty over creation and history, demonstrating His power to disrupt the natural order to achieve His divine objectives, ultimately calling humanity to repentance and faith in light of His unfolding plan.

* [Joel 2:30](/joel/2-30 "The Prophecy of Signs")
* [Matthew 24:29-30](/matthew/24-29-30 "Signs of the Son of Man's Coming")
* [Revelation 6:12-14](/revelation/6-12-14 "The Sixth Seal and Cosmic Disturbances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:19 serves as a profound reminder that God is actively engaged with His creation and communicates His intentions through signs and wonders, both physical and spiritual. While we may not witness literal "blood, fire, and vapour of smoke" in our daily lives as described in this specific prophecy, the underlying principle remains: God provides clear indicators of His presence, His purposes, and the urgency of responding to His call. This verse challenges believers to cultivate spiritual discernment, to recognize God's hand in historical events, and to live with an acute awareness of His ultimate plan for humanity. It calls us to heed divine warnings, to understand the times, and to respond with repentance and faith, knowing that these signs precede the ultimate "Day of the Lord." Furthermore, it compels us to share the message of salvation with urgency, as these divine portents are meant to draw people to the saving grace offered through Christ before the final judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the "wonders" and "signs" described in Acts 2:19 challenge my perception of God's active involvement in the world today?**
* **In what ways might God be giving "signs" or "warnings" in our contemporary society, both individually and globally, that call for a spiritual response?**
* **How does understanding the prophetic fulfillment in Acts 2:19 deepen my appreciation for the continuity of God's plan throughout history?**
* **What is my personal responsibility in light of the "last days" and the "Day of the Lord" that these signs foreshadow?**

### FAQ
**What are these "wonders" and "signs" Peter is referring to, and were they literally fulfilled?**

Answer: Peter is quoting from [Joel 2:30](/joel/2-30 "Prophecy of Wonders and Signs"), which describes dramatic, often terrifying, cosmic and earthly phenomena. While the immediate context in Acts 2 is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter's sermon, drawing on Joel, indicates that these signs are part of a broader eschatological sequence leading up to the "great and notable day of the Lord" ([Acts 2:20](/acts/2-20 "The Day of the Lord")). Some scholars interpret the "blood, fire, and vapour of smoke" as literal, cataclysmic events that will occur before Christ's second coming, while others view them as symbolic language representing divine judgment, upheaval, and the profound spiritual shifts initiated by the New Covenant. The "wonders" and "signs" at Pentecost (speaking in tongues, the sound like a rushing wind, visible flames) were indeed supernatural, but the full scope of Joel's prophecy, particularly the cosmic disturbances, is often understood to have a future fulfillment tied to the end times.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:19, while describing cosmic and earthly signs, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the events it describes, but in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the central figure of the "last days" and the "Day of the Lord." The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which these signs accompany, is itself a direct result of Christ's ascension and His sending of the Spirit, as Peter proclaims later in his sermon ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Jesus Exalted and the Spirit Poured Out")). The "wonders" and "signs" serve as divine heralds, preparing the way for the full revelation of God's kingdom, which is inaugurated through Christ's first coming and will be consummated at His second. The imagery of "blood" ultimately points to the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross, through which sin is forgiven and a new covenant established ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ's Blood and Eternal Redemption")). The "fire" can symbolize the purifying work of the Holy Spirit, given by Christ ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Baptism with the Holy Spirit and Fire")), but also the fiery judgment that Christ, as the righteous judge, will execute upon His return ([2 Thessalonians 1:7-8](/2_thessalonians/1-7-8 "Christ's Fiery Judgment")). The "vapour of smoke" evokes the awesome and sometimes terrifying presence of God, a presence now fully revealed in Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Christ, the Image of God")). Thus, these prophetic signs ultimately point to the comprehensive saving and judging work of Jesus Christ, calling all to repentance and faith in Him before the final "great and notable day of the Lord" when He returns in glory ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Christ's Return in Clouds")).

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.

Cross-References

Joel 2:30

And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

Joel 2:31

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

Zephaniah 1:14

¶ The great day of the LORD [is] near, [it is] near, and hasteth greatly, [even] the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

Zephaniah 1:18

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Malachi 4:6

And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.