ACTS 2:14-18
PETER'S SERMON AT PENTECOST
[1 Peter 1:10-20 / Matthew 24:29-30]
Careless, scoffing comments prompted the first Christian sermon. Some of the people who heard the exuberant praise of the Spirit-filled believers asked, “What does this mean?” But not all. Others mocked, saying, “They are full of new wine.” That got Peter’s attention. The criticism was out of line and Peter wanted those who had made it to know how absurd it was. Not the best topic paragraph for an opening of a sermon! And yet, it started Peter preaching about what really happened. Once he started, Peter was caught up by the Spirit’s power. [Another miracle Pentecost produced is the miracle of preaching. Ogilvie, L. J., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1983). Acts (Vol. 28, p. 68). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.]
This miraculous gushing forth of the Spirit was designed to awaken them all to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ, and to join themselves in faith to Him and His church (CIT). In His message Peter explains the significance of each person being able to understand the apostles in their own language (Acts 2:6) and that it is the fulfilling of the scripture, and the fruit of Christ’s resurrection and ascension[, and consequently the proof of both]. Then in the power of the Spirit’s coming Peter proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ (in verses 22-36).
I. A SIGN EXPLAINED, 14-15.
II. A SCRIPTURE FULFILLED, 16-20
III. A SOLICITATION /INVITATION PROCLAIMED, 21.
The outpouring of the Spirit in Jerusalem on Pentecost was being misunderstood. It was a sign that needed to be explained, and the restored, empowered and anointed Peter was up to the opportunity as verses 14 & 15 reveal. “But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. [15] For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.
The first hour was calculated from the time of sunrise, around 6:00 a.m., which makes the third hour about 9:00 a.m. [The third hour was the time of prayer in the outer court of the temple.] It was customary to fast on feast days until at least the fourth hour. Thus the alleged drunkenness was most unlikely. It was far too early for them to have had any opportunity to drink to excess.
II. A SCRIPTURE FULFILLED, 16-20.
Peter next explains the phenomena of the multiplicity of the languages being heard which resulted in such a large gathering being drawn around the disciples. The outpouring the Holy Spirit had produced the prophetic praise which the crowds had observed. This forth-telling by believers was exactly what the prophet Joel had predicted would occur. Peter proclaims the prophetic importance of this phenomena in verse 16. “But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:”
The incredible expositor Peter who had quoted from the Psalms in Acts 1 would now quote from Joel in Acts 2 for his next message. This fisherman became a scholar by hanging out with Jesus. If you want to be one whom the Lord uses, be like Peter. Hang out or walk with Jesus, and inevitably, you will get a firm grasp on the Word because Jesus will have a firm grasp on you. [Courson, J. (2003). Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (p. 623). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.]
Having established the Scriptural basis for what was happening, Peter went on to utilize and exemplify the very gift that was being given starting in verse 17. “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;
[The quotation is from the Greek Old Testament text of the prophet Joel 2:28–32.] Peter’s use [addition] of the words “in the last days” (Isa. 2:2; Hos. 3:5; Mic. 4:1; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1; 1 Pet. 1:20; 1 John 2:18) makes explicit that Joel is referring to the last times promised by God. These days are ushered in by the Messiah (Isa. 2:2) who fulfilled all preparatory provisions for the initialing of the final age of God’s kingdom on earth. Peter therefore interprets Joel’s words as referring to the new covenant in contrast to the former days of the old covenant (Heb. 8:7; 9:1). These last days began with Jesus’ first advent and will end with his second.
In Joel, God’s full and final restoration of His people involves inner transformation by His Spirit (Joel 2:28–29). The solemnity and importance of the prophecy is emphasized by the adding of “God declares” at the quotation’s beginning. For Peter, what Joel said is what God said. It is God who “will pour out My Spirit.” The pouring out of God’s Spirit contrasts the mere drops of all the preceding era or covenant. God’s plan is that there would be a more plentiful and extensive gushing forth of the Spirit of Grace from on high than had ever yet been. The prophets of the Old Testament had been filled with the Holy Spirit, and it was said of the people of Israel that God gave them His good Spirit to instruct them (Neh. 9:20). But now the Spirit will be poured out, not only upon the Jews, but “upon all flesh,” Gentiles as well as Jews, though Peter himself did not yet fully understand it (11:17).
Note the extensiveness and inclusiveness of God’s outpouring: “sons … daughters … young men … old men … servants … handmaidens” without distinction of sex, age, or rank. The recipients will “see visions … dream dreams” which are ways in which the Spirit operated under the Old Covenant.
God’s Spirit and His power is now given without distinction of sex-now only your sons, but your daughters shall prophesy. Without distinction as to age-both young men and old men shall see visions, and dream dreams, and in them receive divine revelations. A new era has dawned.
[In the Old Testament there were schools of the prophets, and, before that, the Spirit of prophecy came upon the elders of Israel that were appointed to the government, or individual chosen for a task; but now the Spirit shall be poured out upon all believers, for the kingdom of the Messiah is to be purely spiritual. [Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 2068). Peabody: Hendrickson.]
Do you have a dream that God has given you? Andrés Segovia was born in Southern Spain and began playing guitar as a small child. In those days the guitar was little more than a folk instrument. Serious musicians and composers didn’t respect it. But Segovia saw potential in the
guitar for classical music. He began studying the techniques of classical musicians who played the violin and cello. Then he applied those techniques to his playing and developed other methods on his own. He adapted the compositions of masters such as Bach and learned to play them on his instrument. In 1909, Segovia made his debut-at the age of 16. In 1919, he toured the world and won over the classical establishment. Soon, for the first time, composers were writing classical music for the guitar and a whole new kind of music was born. Over the course of nearly 80 years Segovia completely changed people’s perception of his instrument. Yet like many big dreams that become realized, his dream made an impact far beyond what he imagined. It could be argued that his success opened the door for the guitar, not only to the concert hall but also to the jazz band. That in turn lead to the electrical amplified guitar. If you enjoyed the music of Eric Clapton or the Beatles or modern praise groups, then thank Andrés Segovia. If it wasn’t for his dream the music of the 20th century may have gone in an entirely different direction. There is great power in a God given dream. Let the Spirit of the Living God fulfill the dream He has given you in you then through you.
Peter recitation of Joel [from the Septuagint] continues in verse18. “even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.”
Male and female servants or slaves convey that the Spirit’s ministry and the gifts He bestows are not restricted by sex, social position or status (compare 1 Cor 3:16–23; 12:1–26). The mention of the daughters (v. 17) and female servants (v. 18) should make women taken notice (1:14) that they too as well as the men will receive the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit. [Philip, the evangelist, had four daughters who did prophesy (21:9).] Men and women,
young and old who gathered in Jerusalem after the ascension of Jesus Christ experienced the pouring out of the Holy Spirit and subsequently, they will “prophecy” or proclaimed God and His truth (as we still should today).. [See Num. 11:29.]
III. A SOLICITATION /INVITATION PROCLAIMED, 21.
Wonders and signs to be revealed in the world of nature are described in verses 19 and 20. “And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; [20] “the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.”
The full experience of these natural wonders awaits the fuller repentance of God’s chosen nation (Zech. 12:10), as this portion of the prophecy of Joel was not fulfilled on Pentecost. Most probably this portion, and perhaps other portions of Joel’s prophecy, will be fulfilled toward the end of time. It seems the prophecy is to be understood as expressing the twofold truth that: (1) we live in the “now” of messianic blessings, and (2) there is the “yet to be” fullness of messianic blessings to be realized in the return of Christ, the millennial kingdom, and the eternal state. [Criswell, W. A., Patterson, P., Clendenen, E. R., Akin, D. L., Chamberlin, M., Patterson, D. K., & Pogue, J. (Eds.). (1991). Believer’s Study Bible (electronic ed., Ac 2:19). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.] [Note: Some see this prophecy as being fulfilled in Luke 23:44-45.]
In verse 21 we find the apostolic or prophetic call for response. “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
The new age, the era of the New Covenant, has begun. Because of the life, death, resurrection and ascension of God’s Messiah Jesus Christ, salvation is now offered. “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved!” [Note: The YAHWEH of Joel now becomes the Lord Jesus.] The permanent establishment of the way of salvation has now been clearly established. When the wonder of supernatural hearing or understanding occurs, those that call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ are saved!
IN CLOSING
Peter interprets the events of Pentecost as fulfilling Joel 2:28–32. What was expected “in the last days” (Isa. 2:2) has now come to pass. A dramatic life-changing outpouring of God’s Spirit has been experienced by men and women, young and old. This outpouring was accompanied by signs and wonders, both visible and audible, with truly cosmic impact. [This interruption of the normal course of events is seen as a prelude to “the day of the Lord,” when history would end. Mays, J. L. (Ed.). (1988). Harper’s Bible commentary (p. 1082). San Francisco: Harper & Row.] For since that day we call Pentecost, believers have called all who will listen to turn to the Savior, God’s Messiah, and those who do find life, eternal spiritual life, through His name.
