Joel Part 06

Peter indicates in Acts 2:16 that the coming of the Holy Spirit on that day in 31 AD is “what was spoken by the prophet Joel” as he quotes Joel 2:28–29. 

“‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy” (Acts 2:17-18). 

This introduces an incredible blessing amid the torments of the day. The foreseeing that the Holy Spirit would be available to all people, regardless of gender, age, social class, race or ethnicity was profound and impactful, if not at that moment, it certainly brought hope. God inspired Peter to make the connection on the Day of Pentecost.    

The verse has present meaning and still also future fulfillment as well. The key phrase that signals end-time prophecy, “It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh . . .” The phrase “all flesh” indicates that God will be engaged with all human beings at some point. Peter quotes Joel 2 in Acts 2:16–21, but that did NOT completely fulfill Joel’s prophecy. Obviously, on Pentecost 31 AD, the spirit WAS poured out, but it was NOT given to “all flesh.” Peter saw that event as a foreshadow—an illustration—of what is yet to come. 

In our current era, the Holy Spirit is only available to a small number of people who respond to the call, are baptized, and submit to the laying on of ministers’ hands (Acts 8:18). After Christ returns, it will be freely available to everyone who repents! 2 Peter 3:9 shows that God does not desire anyone to perish. In Revelation 22:17 it states, 

“And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” 

Verse 28 speaks of prophesy, dreams and visions; these are the three modes of divine revelation. These, directed at youth, may have helped inspire Peter in Acts 2:39 to say, “The promise is to you and to your children.” We understand that children of called-out Christians are also called themselves. The special invitation is freely extended to them and to whomever else God may call.   

This scripture is vital to understand as it answers a question that many who grow up with the knowledge of God’s truth might ask. “Have I been called?” This is a fair question, as it may be clear that one’s parents or grandparents have been called and responded to that call, yet it may be unclear whether the next generation has been given the same invitation. This might apply to you! We can be certain from this scripture that the invitation absolutely does extend to the next generation. We can take comfort in knowing this truth.   

Joel 2:32 declares, “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD
Shall be saved.” To “call on” God, one must learn His way, repent of thoughts and actions that are contrary to His law, and commit to obedience going forward (Acts 2:37-38). Romans 10:14–17 explains,

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent . . . So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

We recall that Joel is prophesying of a future time, where people will hear of God’s word and have opportunity to learn and be delivered from the bondage of sin. Joel says that in Mount Zion there will be deliverance. This reference to Mount Zion seems symbolic of the Church, more than of a peak in Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:2-3 says “the mountain of the LORD’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains . . . out of Zion shall go forth the law,” implying the government of God and Jerusalem will be where Christ puts His throne—as shown in many prophecies, including Joel 3:21 and Revelation 21:2. 

There is a message of hope in these words that is applicable in our time and to us personally.   

Minor Prophets class is taught at ABC by Dr. Frank Dunkle.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.