Verse 13: “But others were mocking, saying that they were full of new wine.” 

But others: These people had a very different perspective from the former ones (2v12). When it comes to the things of God there are going to be those who accept and those who reject. There will be those who look for the fulfilment of God’s promises, and there will be those who scoff and mock at the things of God. 

Verse 14: “And Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and proclaimed: ‘Men, Jews, and all the ones dwelling in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, put your ear to my word.” 

Proclaimed: Made a declaration. Put your ear: This means they need to draw close (ultimately for the purpose of intimacy with God) in order to listen properly. Word: This is the word ‘rhema’, a proclamation that fulfils the purposes of God. 

Verse 15: “For it is not as you think that these are drunk; for it is only the third hour of the day.” 

The third hour of the day: (9am). The number 3 has to do with revealing something. Peter addresses the crowd at the third hour for the purpose of revelation. 

This teaches us a principle; the Holy Spirit enters our lives in order to bring about revelation – not just a source of revelation, but to help us to understand God’s revelation. 

Verse 16: “But this is what has been said through the Prophet Joel.” 

 This is what has been said: (the fulfilment of prophecy) In the past it had relevance, today it also has relevance and in the future it will have relevance. 

Through the Prophet Joel: In explaining what was happening, Peter used prophecy (Found in Joel 2v28-32). Peter could not have communicated what God was up to, establishing His church, without setting it in the context of prophetic truth. So much of what God does, and is still going to do, in our lives and in this world (especially as we draw closer to the end of this age) can only be understood, or perceived, through prophetic truth. 

Verse 17: “And it shall be in the last days that God says I will pour out from my Spirit upon all flesh, and shall prophesy your sons and your daughters. Your young men are going to see visions and your old men are going to be given dreams.” 

Last days: (End times): There are two theological understandings (not in conflict with each other) in regard to the end times. 

1. There is a long end time period beginning here in Acts and still applicable today. In this period, we are able to make a ‘reservation’ for the Kingdom of God. This is the period of time in which we can find salvation. 

2. There is a final End Time period of 7 years at the end of this age. This will bring about the establishment of the Kingdom of God. The total fulfilment of this prophecy from Joel is going to be in those last seven years, but here we see a foretaste of what will be. All flesh: What those individuals experienced, uniquely, on Pentecost, is available to all of humanity who have accepted the gospel. Shall prophesy: More often than not, prophets spoke truth that caused repentance. They spoke words of conviction, words against sinful activity. Your sons and your daughters: Male and female. This goes back to God’s original purpose in Genesis. This reference hints to the previous creation and looks forward to a new creation. Prophesy…visions…. dreams: All of these things (truths) come from God and do not originate with us. 

Verse 18: “And also upon my servants (male) and upon my maid servants, and on that day I will pour out from My Spirit and they are going to prophesy.” Servants: If this is going to impact our lives, in order to bring about change, we need to ask ourselves if we want to serve God. The giving of the Holy Spirit (His anointing) is only for the servants of God. 

Verse 19: “I will give wonders in the heavens above and signs upon the earth below. Blood and fire and columns of smoke.” 

Wonders: Supernatural events. These did not take place, 2000 years ago, on the day of Pentecost. This is a future event of which Joel, and now Peter, laid a foundation for. 

Blood and fire and columns (or pillars) of smoke: This is reminiscent of Mt. Sinai (Exodus 20v18). At Mt Sinai God gave divine revelation to the people – not only the commandments but He also 12 manifested Himself to them. God wanted to give them a new reality whereby they would know the fear of God and would become new creations who did not want to sin. The Holy Spirit gives us this potential when we walk in obedience to Him. 

Verse 20: “For the sun is going to turn to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of the L-rd.” 

The moon to blood: This is going to be a sign that announces the coming wrath of God (Revelation 6v12-17). 

Verse 21: “And it shall be that all who call upon the name of the L-rd will be saved.” 

All who call…will be saved: The time for salvation began on that day. The announcement was made to call upon the name of the L-rd and, therefore, be saved from the wrath of God