Acts 2:17
Verse
Context
Peter Addresses the Crowd
16No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17‘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. 18Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In the last days - The time of the Messiah; and so the phrase was understood among the Jews. I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh - Rabbi Tanchum says, "When Moses laid his hands upon Joshua, the holy blessed God said, In the time of the old text, each individual prophet prophesied; but, in the times of the Messiah, all the Israelites shall be prophets." And this they build on the prophecy quoted in this place by Peter. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy - The word prophesy is not to be understood here as implying the knowledge and discovery of future events; but signifies to teach and proclaim the great truths of God, especially those which concerned redemption by Jesus Christ. Your young men shall see visions, etc. - These were two of the various ways in which God revealed himself under the Old Testament. Sometimes he revealed himself by a symbol, which was a sufficient proof of the Divine presence: fire was the most ordinary, as it was the most expressive, symbol. Thus he appeared to Moses on Mount Horeb, and afterwards at Sinai; to Abraham, Genesis 15:1-21; to Elijah, Kg1 19:11, Kg1 19:12. At other times he revealed himself by angelic ministry: this was frequent, especially in the days of the patriarchs, of which we find many instances in the book of Genesis. By dreams he discovered his will in numerous instances: see the remarkable case of Joseph, Gen 37:5, Gen 37:9; of Jacob, Gen 28:1, etc.; Gen 46:2, etc.; of Pharaoh, Gen 41:1-7; of Nebuchadnezzar, Dan 4:10-17. For the different ways in which God communicated the knowledge of his will to mankind, see the note on Gen 15:1.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in the last days--meaning, the days of the Messiah (Isa 2:2); as closing all preparatory arrangements, and constituting the final dispensation of God's kingdom on earth. pour out of my Spirit--in contrast with the mere drops of all preceding time. upon all flesh--hitherto confined to the seed of Abraham. sons . . . daughters . . . young men . . . old men . . . servants . . . handmaidens--without distinction of sex, age, or rank. see visions . . . dream dreams--This is a mere accommodation to the ways in which the Spirit operated under the ancient economy, when the prediction was delivered; for in the New Testament, visions and dreams are rather the exception than the rule.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it shall come to pass in the last days,.... In Joel it is, "afterwards"; instead of which Peter puts, "in the last days"; the sense is the same: and so R. David Kimchi, a celebrated commentator with the Jews, observes, that "afterwards" is the same "as in the last days", and which design the times of the Messiah; for according to a rule given by the same writer on Isa 2:2 wherever the last days are mentioned, the days of the Messiah are intended, Saith God, or "the Lord", as the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read. This clause is added by Peter, and is not in Joel; and very rightly, since what follow are the words of God speaking in his own person: I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; not "upon every animal", as the Ethiopic version renders it: this is extending the sense too far, as the interpretation the above named Jewish writer gives, limits it too much, restraining it to the people of Israel. It being a maxim with them, that the Shekinah does not dwell but in the land of Israel; and also that prophecy, or a spirit of prophecy, does not dwell on any but in the holy land (r). For though as it regards the first times of the Gospel, it may chiefly respect some persons among the Jews, yet not to the exclusion of the Gentiles; and it designs all sorts of persons of every age, sex, state, and condition, as the distribution afterwards shows. Jarchi's note upon it is, "upon everyone whose heart is made as tender as flesh; as for example, "and I will give an heart of flesh", Eze 36:26. By the Spirit is meant the gifts of the Spirit, the spirit of wisdom and knowledge, of understanding the mysteries of the Gospel, of explaining the Scriptures, and of speaking with tongues; and by the pouring of it out, is intended the abundance and great plenty of the gifts and graces of the Spirit bestowed; but yet not all of him, or all his gifts and grace in the large extent of them: therefore it is said, not "my Spirit", but "of my Spirit", or "out of it"; as out of an unfathomable, immeasurable, and inexhaustible fountain and fulness: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy: or foretell things to come, as Agabus, and the four daughters of Philip the Evangelist, Act 21:9. and your young men shall see visions; as Ananias, Act 9:10, and Peter, Act 10:17 and Paul when a young man, Act 22:17 and John, the youngest of the apostles, Rev 1:10 though he was in years, when he saw the visions in the Revelations: and your old men shall dream dreams; or shall have night visions, as Paul at Troas, Act 16:9 and in his voyage when at sea, Act 27:23. The order of the words is inverted, this last clause stands first in Joel; perhaps the change is made, because the apostles were young men, on whom the Spirit was poured; and the thing was the more wonderful that so it should be, than if they had been old men, (r) Zohar in Gen. fol. 118. 4. & 128. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:17-21 This passage quotes Joel 2:28-32. The prophet Joel predicted a wider exercise of the gifts of prophecy, including visions and dreams by both young and old, both men and women in the last days (Joel 2:28-29). In Acts, on the day of Pentecost, Peter declared that Joel’s prophecy was being fulfilled, signaling that “the last days” had arrived.
Acts 2:17
Peter Addresses the Crowd
16No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17‘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. 18Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Belarus) Crisis Praying
By David Wilkerson24K1:10:53Prayer LifeNEH 2:17DAN 10:2JOL 2:28MAT 6:33JHN 20:19ACT 2:17In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal journey of being consumed by television and worldly entertainment. He describes how God convicted him to get rid of his TV and spend that time in prayer. The preacher then recounts a powerful experience where he interrupted a murder trial to speak to the judge and try to reach out to the young men involved in the crime. Despite facing ridicule and mockery, the preacher obeyed God's call and went to New York City to minister to troubled youth. Through fasting and prayer, he sought God's guidance and saw the transformative power of God in his own life and in the lives of those he reached out to.
An Hour With Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 1
By Kathryn Kuhlman18K27:51InterviewMAT 6:33JHN 3:3ACT 2:17ROM 8:141CO 2:10GAL 5:22EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of their upbringing in a small Methodist church and the tragic loss of their father at a young age. They emphasize the importance of being born again and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their life. The speaker then transitions to introducing Catherine Cooleman, a woman who exemplifies the virtues and compassion of Jesus Christ. They describe her as a handmaiden of God and share how her story has impacted and inspired many to believe in miracles.
The Power of God - Part 1
By Kathryn Kuhlman11K30:04PowerISA 40:9LUK 12:48JHN 4:24ACT 2:17ROM 8:261CO 15:532TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of the Holy Spirit and the need for believers to be led by the Spirit. They emphasize the importance of humility and caution against spiritual pride and bigotry. The speaker also encourages listeners to have a positive mindset and see their current time as their greatest hour. They mention the manifestation of miracles and the closing moments of this dispensation, suggesting that the Holy Spirit is at work in these times.
When God Stepped Down - Part 2 (Cd Quality)
By Duncan Campbell7.1K29:32RevivalConviction of SinRevival HistoryACT 2:17Duncan Campbell shares powerful testimonies of revival, recounting his experiences of addressing numerous meetings day and night, where the presence of God was palpable and many souls were saved. He describes the deep conviction of sin that gripped individuals, leading them to cry out for mercy, and the overwhelming awareness of God's presence that filled the churches and fields. Campbell emphasizes the importance of leaving people in their conviction, allowing God to work in their hearts, and highlights the lasting impact of revival on communities, with many individuals entering full-time ministry. He calls for a renewed hunger for God's presence and a desire to witness His miraculous work among His people.
The End Times
By David Pawson6.7K59:47PropheticMAT 24:7ACT 2:172PE 3:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses different philosophies of history that people often adopt when interpreting world events. The first view mentioned is the cyclic view, which suggests that history repeats itself in a never-ending cycle. The second view is the epic view, where history moves forward in ups and downs, but the ultimate outcome is uncertain. The speaker emphasizes that these views can influence our understanding of biblical prophecies and urges listeners to approach the Bible with the correct frame of history. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners that although there may be challenging times ahead, the Bible provides clarity on the duration and ultimate outcome of these troubles.
The Coming Persecution
By David Wilkerson6.3K51:15MAT 10:23MAT 10:42MAT 13:30MRK 13:10ACT 2:17EPH 3:20In this sermon, the preacher shares a vision he had about five calamities that will come to America and the world. The first calamity is a worldwide recession caused by economic confusion, which will greatly impact the lifestyle of every wage earner. The preacher emphasizes that these events are signs of the end times and urges the audience to open their eyes and recognize the coming of Jesus Christ. Despite the fear and uncertainty, the preacher reassures the audience that God has everything under control, bringing hope and faith.
Why Does the Holy Spirit Not Fill the Church
By A.W. Tozer5.8K39:09Holy SpiritGEN 6:5GEN 6:11MAT 5:28MAT 7:21ACT 2:171TI 6:171PE 4:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the need for it in order to save humanity. He explains that God saw the moral corruption that had spread throughout mankind and decided to send a judgment in the form of a flood to destroy the corruption and save a few righteous individuals. The preacher emphasizes the importance of taking judgment seriously, as everyone will eventually face judgment for their actions. He concludes by sharing a story about a physician who sometimes has to amputate a limb in order to save the patient's life, highlighting the necessity of removing that which could be deadly.
Sunday #1 the Welsh Revival of 1904-05
By J. Edwin Orr4.7K43:06Welsh RevivalPSA 27:14MAT 24:42MRK 1:17ACT 2:17ACT 2:421TI 4:12HEB 10:25In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a powerful revival that took place in a church called Moriah Church. The revival was characterized by the presence of people of all ages, from young to old, coming together and being moved by the preaching of the word of God. The speaker, Evan Roberts, had initially planned to organize a team of young evangelists but felt a strong calling to speak to the young people in his own church. He returned home and began preaching to the young people, leading to a remarkable response from 17 individuals. The revival continued to grow, with various meetings and services being held throughout the week, and eventually leading to a widespread spiritual awakening in the country.
Dry Valleys Filled With Water
By Duncan Campbell4.5K40:55Spirit Of GodGEN 2:102KI 3:10MAT 6:33ACT 2:4ACT 2:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of two young girls who had a conviction and a vision from God. The speaker recounts how he knelt beside one of the girls as she poured out her heart in tears, believing that God would not disappoint them. Meanwhile, the speaker also shares another story of 14 young men who gathered to decide on the amount of whiskey to bring to a parish event. One of the men had a strange conviction that it would be the last time alcohol would come to the parish. The speaker then draws a parallel between these stories and the need for spiritual revival in the church today, emphasizing the importance of having the living water of God's presence and power. The sermon concludes with a call to make our hearts and lives like valleys full of ditches, ready to receive the outpouring of God's Spirit.
Real Revival
By Denny Kenaston4.1K53:19Biblical RevivalISA 64:4MAT 6:33ACT 2:17ROM 8:191CO 2:9EPH 3:19COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker shares a series of events that occurred during a prayer meeting at their church. They initially planned to listen to a tape, but rocks started coming through the windows, thrown by someone hiding in a cornfield. The speaker and the congregation called out to the person in the name of Jesus, and they eventually ran away. Despite the disturbance, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being obedient to God's will and allowing Him to rule over their services. They stress the need for believers to be filled with the fullness of Christ, as this is what will truly transform their hearts and lives. The speaker references the prayer of Paul for the church at Ephesus and encourages the congregation to seek this fullness of Christ.
Garland, Texas - the Welsh Revival of 1904-05
By J. Edwin Orr4.0K22:54PSA 85:6JOL 2:28MAT 5:14ACT 2:17JAS 4:8This sermon delves into the remarkable Welsh Revival of 1904, focusing on the pivotal role of Evan Roberts and the powerful movement of God's Spirit that transformed lives and communities. It highlights the prayerful beginnings, the impact on individuals and society, and the lasting legacy of revival that extended beyond Wales to influence regions like the United States.
The Awakening of 1727 Onward
By J. Edwin Orr4.0K28:002CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 57:15JOL 2:28HAB 3:2MAT 9:37ACT 2:17ROM 12:2EPH 5:14REV 2:5This sermon delves into the historical context of the Evangelical Revival in Great Britain and the Great Awakening in America during the 18th century, highlighting the societal depravity, moral decay, and spiritual decline that necessitated these revivals. It explores the transformative impact of key figures like John Wesley and George Whitefield, the beginnings of the Methodist movement, and the widespread revival that reshaped the English-speaking world, leading people back to God.
The Awakening of 1904 in Wales
By J. Edwin Orr3.8K29:182CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 44:3JOL 2:28MAT 5:16JHN 3:16ACT 2:17ROM 12:2GAL 5:22EPH 5:14This sermon delves into the powerful impact of the Welsh Revival of the early 20th century, highlighting the widespread spiritual awakening that swept through Wales and beyond. It explores the transformative effects on individuals, communities, and even societal norms, showcasing the profound changes brought about by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during this revival period.
Movements in Latin America
By J. Edwin Orr3.7K25:392CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 57:15JOL 2:28ACT 2:17This sermon recounts powerful movements of revival in Cuba and Brazil, highlighting the significant growth of evangelical Christians amidst challenges and opposition. It emphasizes the impact of revival on various denominations, the importance of simple faith, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit leading to widespread conversions and spiritual growth.
No Man Is Greater Than His Prayer Life - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill3.7K40:56Prayer LifePSA 119:105ISA 55:11MRK 16:17ACT 2:171CO 1:272TI 3:16In this sermon, the pastor shares a story about a man who was healed in the name of Jesus Christ. The pastor emphasizes the importance of having faith in God, regardless of one's background or education. He encourages the congregation to dedicate their time and resources to God, suggesting that if everyone did so, the Church would be in a better state. The pastor also highlights the significance of seeking spiritual renewal and staying connected to God through prayer and seeking His anointing.
Outspoken!
By Andrew Strom3.6K1:02:56ControversialJER 8:20MAT 5:3MAT 6:33MAT 9:37MAT 25:31LUK 12:15ACT 2:17In this sermon, the speaker addresses the lack of revival in the Western world, particularly in America, despite being perceived as leaders with abundant resources. They highlight the contrast between the rich countries, where revival is lacking, and the poor countries, where revival is flourishing. The speaker suggests that the Western world has become complacent and spiritually lazy, lacking the fervor and radical devotion seen in other nations experiencing revival. They emphasize the need for a spiritual awakening and question what it will take for revival to occur in America and other wealthy nations.
Garland, Texas - What Revival Is
By J. Edwin Orr3.5K1:00:35PSA 85:6ACT 2:17This sermon delves into the historical context of revivals in the United States, emphasizing the transformative power of God's spirit during times of spiritual awakening. It highlights the impact of prayer meetings, conversions, and societal changes brought about by these revivals, showcasing how God's work can lead to significant transformations in individuals and communities. The sermon encourages a deep longing for revival and a reliance on God's spirit to bring about change in a world filled with challenges and moral decay.
Samson - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill3.4K26:29SamsonJDG 16:282SA 6:14PSA 119:83EZK 37:1JHN 20:22ACT 2:4ACT 2:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of dying to oneself and surrendering to God's plans. He emphasizes that true success comes from God's triumph and that He will raise up those who are obedient to Him. The speaker also highlights the need for holy anger and jealousy for God's glory, as seen in the example of Samson. He encourages the audience to have a holy indignation towards the sin and injustice in the world and to seek an anointing that will glorify God.
Chapel of the Air - Interview With Dr. Orr (Part 1)
By J. Edwin Orr3.3K15:31Interview1KI 18:442CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 57:15JER 33:3JOL 2:28ACT 2:17In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the challenge of passing on the message of God from one generation to the next. He emphasizes that each generation must understand the reason for God's blessings and not become focused on material possessions. The speaker also mentions the importance of revival and awakening in Baptist circles, particularly in relation to prayer. He highlights the significance of open meetings where prayer, confession, restitution, and reconciliation take place. The speaker also mentions the role of emotionalism in these meetings, noting that it depends on individual talent and inhibitions.
Woe, Lo, and Go - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill3.2K28:55VisionEXO 3:2MAT 7:7MRK 11:24ACT 2:171TH 5:17HEB 12:29JAS 5:16In this sermon, the preacher begins by addressing the audience's obsession with watching the Super Bowl and their lack of strength to turn it off. He highlights how television has become a life support for many families, and suggests that when the love of God is present in our hearts, we won't need entertainment. The preacher then discusses the importance of having a three-fold vision, which includes a vision of deity, depravity, and duty. He emphasizes the need for a revelation of God in order to effectively fulfill our tasks and make a difference in the world.
Monday #2 the Work of the Holy Spirit
By J. Edwin Orr3.0K51:10Revival TheologyJOL 2:28MAT 6:33ACT 1:6ACT 2:15ACT 2:17ACT 2:42ACT 2:46In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the overwhelming and convicting power of the Holy Spirit in today's wicked generation. He compares the current state of society to the revival of the Eisenhower years in the 1950s, highlighting the gross immorality, profanity, pornography, and crime prevalent today. The preacher quotes Finney, stating that revival is the right use of appropriate means. He uses the analogy of drunkenness to explain the stages of revival, emphasizing that the disciples on the day of Pentecost were not drunk but filled with joy and celebration. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the need for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the whole body of Christ and the conviction of fellow citizens.
The Wedding Banquet - 2
By Jackie Pullinger2.8K39:47HeavenJOL 2:28MAT 6:33LUK 12:54LUK 14:18ACT 2:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a group of people who decided to feed the poor on a rubbish dump at Christmas. They estimated the number of people they would feed, but hundreds more turned up than expected. Despite the limited amount of food they had, they decided to cut the ham thick, believing that there would be enough for everyone. Miraculously, they ended up with more food left over than they started with and were able to feed 12 orphanages. The speaker emphasizes that God wants His house to be full and urges the audience to invite and compel others to come to Him.
Power Over All the Power of the Enemy
By Leonard Ravenhill2.7K1:10:51EnemyJDG 6:34MAT 6:33MAT 16:19MAT 17:21JHN 6:37ACT 2:17EPH 6:11In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the joy and humor of a lovely little girl and the realization of his own aging as a grandparent. He reminisces about his own childhood and the stories his grandparents told him about their experiences in Egypt. The speaker then discusses the temptation of worldly pleasures and the ease of making vows that are difficult to keep. He emphasizes the need for true repentance and surrender to God's grace, highlighting the limitations of human efforts. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of Rip Van Winkle and the importance of engaging in meaningful discussions and arguments.
Is Your Life a Compelling Testimony
By Carter Conlon2.3K58:25TestimonyJOL 2:28MAT 22:9MAT 22:14LUK 14:18LUK 14:24ACT 2:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three distinct periods of time mentioned in verses 17 to 20, which are believed to refer to the nation of Israel. The speaker emphasizes that God had been speaking to the people of Israel for many years, leading them out of captivity and promising to establish a testimony in them. The sermon then shifts to the idea of having a compelling testimony in one's life. The speaker encourages the audience to consider if their lives are a testimony to God's work and if they are allowing Christ to preach through them in their everyday lives. The sermon concludes with a reference to Peter's sermon in Acts 2, where he declares that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of what the prophet Joel had spoken about.
The Awakening of 1905 in North America
By J. Edwin Orr2.1K27:372CH 7:14PSA 85:6JOL 2:28MAT 9:37ACT 1:8ACT 2:17ROM 12:2EPH 5:141TH 5:16JAS 5:16This sermon recounts the powerful revival that swept through the United States in 1905, sparked by the Welsh revival. It emphasizes the impact of prayer, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the transformation of individuals, churches, and communities. The sermon highlights the unstructured nature of the revival, the emphasis on repentance and new life, and the societal reforms and civic righteousness that followed in various cities.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In the last days - The time of the Messiah; and so the phrase was understood among the Jews. I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh - Rabbi Tanchum says, "When Moses laid his hands upon Joshua, the holy blessed God said, In the time of the old text, each individual prophet prophesied; but, in the times of the Messiah, all the Israelites shall be prophets." And this they build on the prophecy quoted in this place by Peter. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy - The word prophesy is not to be understood here as implying the knowledge and discovery of future events; but signifies to teach and proclaim the great truths of God, especially those which concerned redemption by Jesus Christ. Your young men shall see visions, etc. - These were two of the various ways in which God revealed himself under the Old Testament. Sometimes he revealed himself by a symbol, which was a sufficient proof of the Divine presence: fire was the most ordinary, as it was the most expressive, symbol. Thus he appeared to Moses on Mount Horeb, and afterwards at Sinai; to Abraham, Genesis 15:1-21; to Elijah, Kg1 19:11, Kg1 19:12. At other times he revealed himself by angelic ministry: this was frequent, especially in the days of the patriarchs, of which we find many instances in the book of Genesis. By dreams he discovered his will in numerous instances: see the remarkable case of Joseph, Gen 37:5, Gen 37:9; of Jacob, Gen 28:1, etc.; Gen 46:2, etc.; of Pharaoh, Gen 41:1-7; of Nebuchadnezzar, Dan 4:10-17. For the different ways in which God communicated the knowledge of his will to mankind, see the note on Gen 15:1.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in the last days--meaning, the days of the Messiah (Isa 2:2); as closing all preparatory arrangements, and constituting the final dispensation of God's kingdom on earth. pour out of my Spirit--in contrast with the mere drops of all preceding time. upon all flesh--hitherto confined to the seed of Abraham. sons . . . daughters . . . young men . . . old men . . . servants . . . handmaidens--without distinction of sex, age, or rank. see visions . . . dream dreams--This is a mere accommodation to the ways in which the Spirit operated under the ancient economy, when the prediction was delivered; for in the New Testament, visions and dreams are rather the exception than the rule.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it shall come to pass in the last days,.... In Joel it is, "afterwards"; instead of which Peter puts, "in the last days"; the sense is the same: and so R. David Kimchi, a celebrated commentator with the Jews, observes, that "afterwards" is the same "as in the last days", and which design the times of the Messiah; for according to a rule given by the same writer on Isa 2:2 wherever the last days are mentioned, the days of the Messiah are intended, Saith God, or "the Lord", as the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read. This clause is added by Peter, and is not in Joel; and very rightly, since what follow are the words of God speaking in his own person: I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; not "upon every animal", as the Ethiopic version renders it: this is extending the sense too far, as the interpretation the above named Jewish writer gives, limits it too much, restraining it to the people of Israel. It being a maxim with them, that the Shekinah does not dwell but in the land of Israel; and also that prophecy, or a spirit of prophecy, does not dwell on any but in the holy land (r). For though as it regards the first times of the Gospel, it may chiefly respect some persons among the Jews, yet not to the exclusion of the Gentiles; and it designs all sorts of persons of every age, sex, state, and condition, as the distribution afterwards shows. Jarchi's note upon it is, "upon everyone whose heart is made as tender as flesh; as for example, "and I will give an heart of flesh", Eze 36:26. By the Spirit is meant the gifts of the Spirit, the spirit of wisdom and knowledge, of understanding the mysteries of the Gospel, of explaining the Scriptures, and of speaking with tongues; and by the pouring of it out, is intended the abundance and great plenty of the gifts and graces of the Spirit bestowed; but yet not all of him, or all his gifts and grace in the large extent of them: therefore it is said, not "my Spirit", but "of my Spirit", or "out of it"; as out of an unfathomable, immeasurable, and inexhaustible fountain and fulness: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy: or foretell things to come, as Agabus, and the four daughters of Philip the Evangelist, Act 21:9. and your young men shall see visions; as Ananias, Act 9:10, and Peter, Act 10:17 and Paul when a young man, Act 22:17 and John, the youngest of the apostles, Rev 1:10 though he was in years, when he saw the visions in the Revelations: and your old men shall dream dreams; or shall have night visions, as Paul at Troas, Act 16:9 and in his voyage when at sea, Act 27:23. The order of the words is inverted, this last clause stands first in Joel; perhaps the change is made, because the apostles were young men, on whom the Spirit was poured; and the thing was the more wonderful that so it should be, than if they had been old men, (r) Zohar in Gen. fol. 118. 4. & 128. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:17-21 This passage quotes Joel 2:28-32. The prophet Joel predicted a wider exercise of the gifts of prophecy, including visions and dreams by both young and old, both men and women in the last days (Joel 2:28-29). In Acts, on the day of Pentecost, Peter declared that Joel’s prophecy was being fulfilled, signaling that “the last days” had arrived.