Be for come to pass, A.V.; pour forth for pour out, A.V. In the last days. This does not agree with either the Hebrew or the LXX . in the existing texts, where we read merely afterwards . This follows the Hebrew and the Codex Alexandrinus. The Vatican Codex has, They will show or give ( δώσωσι ) . In the heavens above … on the earth beneath. Above and beneath are not in the Hebrew or the LXX . With these exceptions, the text of the LXX . is followed. read more
It shall come to pass - It shall happen, or shall occur.In the last days - Hebrew, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, after these things, or afterward. The expression the last days, however, occurs frequently in the Old Testament: Genesis 49:1, Jacob called his sons, that he might tell them what should happen to them in the last days, that is, in future times - Heb. in after times; Micah 4:1, “In the last days (Hebrew: in later times) the mountain of the Lord’s house,” etc.; Isaiah 2:2, “in the last... read more
Acts 2:16-21. But this is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel But there is another and better way of accounting for what you see and hear. It is the accomplishment of a remarkable prophecy, in its primary and literal sense intended of these times, and this event. Of this whole paragraph see the notes on Joel 2:28-32, where it is explained at large. It shall come to pass in the last days So the times of the Messiah are frequently called, the gospel being the last dispensation of... read more
Peter’s preaching (2:14-42)Seeing the people’s interest, Peter addressed them, this time speaking in his normal language. His address shows some features of the early apostolic preaching. First he quoted from the Old Testament, to show that the Pentecost events fulfilled what the prophets foretold. To Peter the important point of the prophecy was that God poured out his Spirit on everyone - not everyone whether believers or not, but everyone within the community of God’s people, whether male or... read more
in. App-104 . the last days. See note on Genesis 49:1 . pour out. Greek. ekcheo. Translated "shed forth" in Acts 2:33 . Spirit. App-101 . all flesh. A Hebraism. Compare Isaiah 40:5 ; Isaiah 66:24 .Luke 3:6 . John 17:2 . sons. Greek. huios. App-108 . young men. App-108 . see. App-133 . visions. Greek. horasis. Revelation 4:3 ; Revelation 9:17 . dream. Only here and Jude 1:8 . dreams. Only here. read more
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth 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:In the last days ... This refers to the Christian dispensation then beginning. The same thought occurs often in the New Testament. Note such passages as Hebrews 1:2,1 Peter 1:20, and 1 John 2:18. The day of Pentecost, therefore, ushered in the "last days"; but the meaning... read more
17. in the last days—meaning, the days of the Messiah (Isaiah 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... read more
5. The birth of the church 2:1-41The Holy Spirit’s descent on the day of Pentecost inaugurated a new dispensation in God’s administration of the human race. [Note: For more information about the dispensations, see Charles C. Ryrie, Dispensationalism Today, or idem, Dispensationalism.] Luke featured the record of the events of this day to explain the changes in God’s dealings with humankind that followed in the early church and to the present day. This was the birthday of the church. Many... read more
A. The founding of the church 1:1-2:47In his account of the founding of the Christian church Luke gave background information that ties Jesus’ giving of the Great Commission to the day of Pentecost. He showed how Jesus enabled His disciples to obey His command to evangelize the nations. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 2:14-36
The Spirit speaking through the voice of an apostle. Notice— I. The SIMPLICITY AND DIRECTNESS of the sermon; beginning with the facts of the present, going back to the facts of the past, and ending in the solemn appeal to enter the kingdom of Christ. II. The SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY on which it rests. The ancient promise of Messiah; the glory of the latter days; the prophetic psalms;—thus showing that the unbelief of those who despised that day of grace was inexcusable. ... read more