INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Announced Out Pouring
2. The Actual Out Pouring
3. The Alleged Out Pouring
Remarks.
1. In this lesson today we will be discussing the theme: “I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.” It will be clear at the conclusion that this prophesy was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost. We are under the conviction that the scriptures will support there was only one “pouring out of the Holy Spirit" in the fulfillment of Joel’s prophesy.
2. First, we will consider Joel’s prophesy regarding the announcement of the out pouring of the Holy Spirit. He says: “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: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will “I will pour out my spirit,” Joel 2:28-29.
3. Next, we will consider the actual out pouring on the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost at which time Peter said: “This is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel, 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 on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my spirit; and they shall prophesy,” Acts 2:14-17.
4. Finally, we will address with kindness the argument regarding the alleged second pouring out of the Holy Spirit as seen at the house of Cornelius some 10 to 11 years after the day of Pentecost. It is our believe and conviction that this was not a second out pouring of the Holy Spirit. But, an empowering of the Gentile to speak in “tongues and magnify God” as a means of convincing Peter and those Jew that accompanied him to Cornelius’ house, that they were fit candidate for the gospel, baptism and the church without circumcision. We do not mean to offend or cause contention regarding this issue, but merely to speak the “truth in love.” Will you open your hearts and your bibles as we investigate this matter?
BODY OF LESSON
I. THE ANNOUNCED OUT POURING
A. Administrator of the Holy Spirit. The prophet Joel writes by the power of the Holy Spirit with these word: “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: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out of my Spirit,” Joel 2:28-29. Here, Jehovah announces that he would be the administrator of the promise: that is to “pour out of his spirit upon all flesh…or upon all the nations.” Looking closer at this prophesy we see several other important items regarding this announcement. Joel mentions the time in which it will occur: that is (“it will come to pass in latter times or in the last days”). He also mentions the recipients of this out pouring of the spirit: that is the audience (“I will pour out my spirit on all flesh – all the nations.”) Finally, he speaks of the signs which will tell us of its fulfillment: that is the manifestations of the spirit (“and they shall prophesy, dream dreams, and see visions.”)
B. The time of the event. “And it shall come to pass afterward…” other translations say: “in the latter days.” This has reference to the “dispensation of grace,” Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:1-7. Pentecost, was the beginning of the “last days, or latter days,” Hebrews 1:1-3.
C. The promise of the event. “I will pour out my Spirit,” Joel 2:28-29. “Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord God,” Ezekiel 39:29. Notice also Solomon: “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you,” Proverbs 1:23.
D. The recipients or audience. “Upon all flesh.” Here Joel speaks of all nations. Both Jew and Gentile. The term “all flesh;” means all nations. I might mention that “all nations were assembled upon the Day of Pentecost” in the city of Jerusalem, Acts 2:5. Let’s be clear here, the Holy Spirit was made available to all nations on Pentecost. However, only the apostles received the baptism of the Holy Spirit on that day.
E. The signs of its fulfillment. “And they shall prophesy, dream dreams and see visions.” Here clearly will be the signs that God had fulfilled this promise. They shall prophesy, they shall dream dreams, and they shall see visions both Jew and Gentile alike, Acts 9:11-19; Acts 10:1-6; Acts 10:9-17; Acts 21:8-9.
II THE ACTUAL OUT POURING
A. Administrator of the Holy Spirit. Next, in Acts 2, let’s hear Peter regarding the event on Pentecost: “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 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 by the prophet Joel; 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 on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy,” Acts 2:14-17.
B. The time of the event. Peter says: “This is that which was spoke of by the prophet Joel; and it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,” Acts 2:14-17. Peter affirms that this event was fulfilled in the “last days.” These are the last days spoken of by the prophet Joel. Notice, “This is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel…”
1. Clearly, all that he makes mention of in this prophecy, was fulfilled. These were the last days, as spoken of by the Peter and Joel. See Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 3:1-9.
2. There is a distinction between the “last days” and the “last day.” The last day – refers to the end. See John 6:39, 40, 44, 54; 11:24; 12:48.
3. The resurrection and the judgment shall be the culminating events of the “last days.”
C. The promise of the event. “I will pour out of my spirit…” Jesus speaks of giving to the Apostles the comforter – the Holy Spirit. Notice: “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. See also John 15:26-27 & John 16:7. Notice: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come,” John 16:13. And: “Even the spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you,” John 14:17. Also, Acts 1:1-8, Acts 2:1-4.
D. The recipients or audience. “Upon all flesh.” Who will be the recipients of this pouring out? When? “In the last days or the latter time.” Did all flesh or all nations receive the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost? Let’s see.
1. Notice: “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven… And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?” These visitors to Pentecost witness the event; but were not recipients of the Holy Spirit baptism. Remember my earlier sermon: The Holy Spirit Baptism? This lesson dealt with the Apostles baptism of the Holy Ghost – and no others on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 1:26; Acts 2:1-14.
2. All nations assembled: “Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.”
3. Multitude: “And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, what meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine,” Acts 2:5, Acts 2:8-13. The apostles were speaking as the “Spirit gave them utterance,” and were accused of the audience of being “full of new wine.”
4. Luke adds that Jews and proselytes (people from other nations – that had embraced the Jewish religion); were assembled on the Day of Pentecost at Jerusalem.
5. I would suggest that these were Gentile. Circumcised, but Gentiles none the less, Matthew 23:15; Acts 6:6-7; Acts 8:4, Acts 11:19-21. All nations were present on this day in the city of Jerusalem.
6. Notice Jews and Gentiles (religious proselytes) in the synagogue, Acts 13:1, Acts 13:42-44.
E. The signs of its fulfillment. “And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my spirit; and they shall prophesy,” Joel 2:28-29.
1. First, Peter states: “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls,” Acts 2:33-41.
2. Further, Luke writes: “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles,” Acts 2:43. See also Hebrews 2:1-4.
3. Finally, Luke concludes: “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,” Acts 2:47.
III THE ALLEDGED OUT POURING
A. Administrator of the Holy Spirit, Acts 10:1ff. “Cornelius’ vision,” Acts 10:1-4. “He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, what is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.”
1. Peter’s vision. “Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean,” Acts 10:9-17.
2. Peter’s mission. “And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house. And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter,” Acts 11:11-13.
3. Peter’s message. “Who (he) shall tell thee words, whereby thou and thy entire house shall be saved,” Acts 10:13-14; Acts 11:14.
B. The time of the event. “The Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning,” Acts 11:15. Pentecost was the beginning of the “last days” and Peter says this reminded him of the events of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit fell on these Gentiles in the same manner in which it fell on them. But when did this occur? If Pentecost was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophesy then the “Spirit had already been pour out upon (for) the Gentiles.”
C. The promise of the event. “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word,” Acts 10:44. Notice Peter account: “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?” Acts 11:15-17.
D. The recipients or audience. “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,” Acts 10:45.
1. Notice the language. (Gr: ekkechutai, G1632b, to poured out, bestow or shed forth) or “has been poured out” - the gift of the Holy Ghost – completed. It was (“not being poured out”). The same word used by our Lord: “For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed (ekcheo – poured out) for many for the remission of sins,” Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; and Luke 22:20. Christ shed his blood once for many, for the remission of sins. There was not a necessity for the “pouring out” of his blood for every generation. Its benefits include all generations. In like fashion, the Holy Spirit was “pour out” once, for both Jews and Gentiles alike.
2. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit took place before this time – it is not just occurring! Also notice: “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life,” Acts 11:18.
3. When did God grant the Gentiles repentance unto life? Surely at the same time he had granted it unto the Jews? See also Luke 24:45-49, Matthew 28:19-20, and Acts 2:38-41.
E. The signs of its fulfillment. “For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days,” Acts 10:46-48. Many make an argument of the Holy Spirit “filling these Gentiles” and thus, “they spake in tongues and magnified God.” This argument was also answered in our discussion of “The Holy Ghost Baptism.” In conclusion, let’s review briefly what we discussed.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Announced Out Pouring
2. The Actual Out Pouring
3. The Alleged Out Pouring
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered Joel’s prophesy regarding the announcement of the out pouring of the Holy Spirit. He says: “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: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit,” Joel 2:28-29.
2. Next, we considered the actual out pouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost at which time Peter said: “This is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel, 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 on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my spirit; and they shall prophesy,” Acts 2:14-17.
3. Finally, we addressed with kindness the argument regarding the alleged second pouring out of the Holy Spirit as seen at the house of Cornelius some 10 to 11 years after the day of Pentecost. It is our believe and conviction that this was not a second out pouring of the Holy Spirit. But, an empowering of the Gentile to speak in “tongues and magnify God” as a means of convincing Peter and those Jew that accompanied him to Cornelius’ house, that they were fit candidate for the gospel, baptism and the church without circumcision. We do not mean to offend or cause contention regarding this issue, but merely to speak the “truth in love.” I thank you for your patience and bible investigation on this matter?
C. Invitation. Discuss plan of salvation.
D. Exhortation. “With many other words did he testify and exhort, saying save yourselves from this untoward generation,” Acts 2:40.
E. Motivation. “Today is the day of salvation,” 2 Corinthians 6:2. And “Today if ye hear His voice, harden not your heart,” Hebrews 4:7.
