An Analysis Of Joel's Prophecy Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

An Analysis of Joel’s Prophecy

Introductory Remarks.

1. In this lesson, we will analyze Joel’s prophecy regarding the “outpouring” or the “pouring forth” of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh on the Day of Pentecost. Many consider this event to be the “pouring out of the Holy Ghost” upon the Jews only.

2. Some argue that the event in Caesarea, at Cornelius’ house, was a second “pouring forth” of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentile nations.

3. In this analysis, we will investigate these two events. After our analysis, it will be apparent that there was only one “outpouring” of the Holy Ghost upon “all flesh” for both Jews and Gentiles, and it occurred on the Day of Pentecost.

4. The event at Cornelius’ house was a “manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit” as He “fell upon all of them who heard the word... For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God,” Acts 10:44-46. With this brief introduction, let’s begin our analysis of these two events.

BODY OF LESSON

ANALYSIS OF JOEL’S PROPHECY

A. The Promise. Before digging deeper into Joel’s prophecy and its fulfillment, we need to consider the promises regarding the Holy Spirit. Notice:

1. First, John said: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire,” Matthew 3:11. John predicts it would be Jesus Christ, the Messiah; that would be the person who will baptize with both, “the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”

2. Further, Jesus said: “But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you,” John 14:26; John 15:26-17; John 16:13-15. Consider also:

a. After Christ’s resurrection, He told His apostles: “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high,” Luke 24:49. They were to go to Jerusalem and wait for this promise.

b. Before His ascension into heaven, He promised them again: “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence... But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost comes upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth,” Acts 1:5-8. [Text shortened for brevity].

3. Finally, Luke penned that the Holy Ghost Baptism took place on the Day of Pentecost, the first after the suffering, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ into the heavens, Acts 1:8; Acts 1:9-11; Acts 2:1-4.

4. A summary of the Holy Ghost baptism on Pentecost. Notice:

a. First, it was given ONLY to the 12 apostles.

b. Further, it DID NOT include either of these audiences:

1) The 120 disciples gathered before Pentecost, Acts 1:14-15.

2) The multitude that commented on the events on Pentecost, Acts 2:6.

3) The 3000 souls converted on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:41.

4) Nor on any woman gathered in the “upper room” before Pentecost, Acts 1:13-15.

c. Therefore, the baptism of the Holy Ghost took place on the Day of Pentecost, and this was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy regarding that: “Jehovah would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh,” Joel 2:28-29. Peter began his sermon by affirming that the Holy Ghost’s work on Pentecost fulfilled Joel’s prophecy of Jehovah “pouring forth His Spirit upon all flesh.”

B. The Day of Pentecost. As he begins his sermon and defends their speaking in different languages, Peter says: “For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel,” Acts 2:17-18. This event on the Day of Pentecost fulfilled the foretelling of God’s promise: “The pouring forth of His Spirit upon all flesh (or nations),” Joel 2:28-29. Notice:

1. This is the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. Let’s be clear: Peter DID NOT SAY: “This is a part of Joel’s prophecy.” No, he said: “This IS THAT which was spoken of by the prophet Joel.” This completes Joel's statement concerning the “outpouring of the Holy Spirit,” Acts 2:16-18.

2. This event is the complete and total fulfillment of the: “Outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh.” The ENTIRE portion of the Holy Spirit was “poured out on that day; not a portion of the Spirit.”

3. Joel wrote: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God.” Paul refers to the “last days” in Hebrews 1:1-2. Pentecost, therefore, was the beginning of the “last days.”