End-Time Insights

In the  Book of Acts , the application of Joel’s prophecy to the events in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost links the initial outpouring of the Spirit to the start of the “ Last Days .” The activity of the Spirit beginning on the Day of Pentecost and continuing thereafter is essential for understanding the rapid spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to the  center of the Roman Empire, a process that must continue until the “ arrival ” or ‘ Parousia ’ of Jesus at the end of the age.

The use of Joel’s prophecy by Peter on the Day of Pentecost linked the arrival of the Spirit to the start of History's final era. With the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the “ Last Days ” began in earnest. The Gift of the Spirit is the “ Promise of Father ,” and part of the New Covenant prophesied in the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel . Its outpouring pointed to a fundamental change of eras - The time of fulfillment had commenced - (Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:17-21).

The description of the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost stresses the theme of fulfillment. On that day, what was foreshadowed by the ancient feast began to receive its promised substance. The bestowal of the Spirit was an epochal event that marked the start of the Age of the Spirit, and the Gift of the Spirit fulfilled what the annual Levitical feast symbolized.

The prophecy in the book of Joel sets the tone for Acts, including the signs and wonders that accompany the gospel – Acts 2:17-21.  Jesus told the disciples to “ tarry in Jerusalem ”  UNTIL  they receive the Spirit, then to proclaim the “ kingdom of God ” in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and the “ uttermost parts of the earth .” The book of  Acts  records how the early church carried out this mission under the power of the Spirit.