Joel 2:29Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This was realized on the day of Pentecost when the disciples were gathered in one place, offering their prayers to God. A great sound filled the house, and individual tongues of fire rested on each of them, enabling them to speak in different languages, as “the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4). They proclaimed the mysteries concerning Christ as foretold by the holy prophets, bringing deep conviction to their listeners, who became willing to submit to the truth that the time of grace had arrived, and that the ancient prophecies concerning Christ were now fulfilled. Their prophecies in various tongues fulfilled God’s earlier declarations through the prophets, as it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips, I will speak to this people, and yet for all that, they will not hear” (1 Corinthians 14:21, Isaiah 28:11-12). Paul explains that the gift of tongues serves as a sign for the Jews. The descent of the Holy Spirit from heaven, granting so many the gift of prophecy, is further clarified by Paul’s words: “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge” and “For you can all prophesy one by one” (1 Corinthians 14:29, 31).

When Israel persisted in its sins, God declared, “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11-12). To Ezekiel, He said, “I will make your tongue cling to the roof of your mouth, so that you shall be mute” (Ezekiel 3:26). The Psalmist also proclaimed, “God is the Lord, and He has given us light” (Psalms 117:27). Following Christ's appearance, who absolves sin and silences guilt, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was initiated, filling humanity with joy, restoring it to its original glory, and reviving it to its state before sin entered. It is clear that Adam was equipped with the spirit of prophecy before he transgressed God’s commandment, demonstrating his integrity and natural virtues. For example, when God created a woman and brought her to Adam, he immediately declared, “This is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man” (Genesis 2:23). However, that grace in humanity became dormant, only to be renewed in Christ, the second Adam (1 Corinthians 15). How was it renewed? Being God by nature, the Son of God, who was begotten of the Father, the Spirit belongs to Him. Therefore, when He became human, the Spirit was bestowed upon Him, given as He was baptized, descending upon Him in the form of a dove (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32). This is a humbling (Philippians 2:7); thus, it is stated, “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

As noted, the Spirit was initially given to Adam, but he lost it through sin. When Christ, as the Only Begotten Son, took on our humanity, He received the Spirit and retained it, as stated by the Evangelist John (John 1:32), thus enabling Him to dwell within us because He lives in the second-begotten, Christ. This is why He is called the second Adam. Consequently, we are uniquely re-created in a superior state and receive regeneration through the Spirit, gaining not the first carnal and corrupt nature, which leads to death (Romans 8:6), but rather the superior second nature from God through the Spirit, as it is written, “Who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13). Hence, those who are counted among the children of God should be endowed with the grace of the Holy Spirit, which Christ has given us. Peter affirms, “Being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear” (Acts 2:33). As a man, He receives from the Father that which aligns with His nature and abundantly pours it out on us (Titus 3:6). He will pour out upon “all flesh.” It follows that His grace is not limited to “those who are of the circumcision” (Colossians 4:11) but is extended to all who believe, regardless of status — whether they are slaves, free, Jews, or Gentiles (Colossians 3:11); the gift of salvation in Christ is offered to all, indicating inclusivity in His kingdom as prophesied: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah” (Genesis 49:10). However, if anyone, unrestrained in their understanding, claims that animals fall under this promise of flesh, let him realize that prophecy pertains solely to humanity and never to “the will of God,” as the wise Paul indicated (1 Corinthians 9:9). The prophecy includes “sons and daughters,” clearly signifying the wide-reaching grace available to all, for God does not dismiss the female as unworthy, provided she earnestly seeks to do His will. Such individuals won't lack reward nor will they be excluded from holiness if they boast in faith and good works. They receive both grace and mercy, and are indeed endowed with the Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:5, 2 Corinthians 1:22), considered among the children of God.

He adds, “The elders shall dream dreams,” and “the young men shall see visions,” suggesting that old age is regarded as distinguished and enriched by virtue, shaped by exemplary deeds and profound wisdom. For instance, Paul experienced a vision of a Macedonian man begging for help, “Come over to Macedonia and help us” (Acts 16:9). Ananias, a faithful servant, also received a vision directed at Paul’s journey to Damascus where he encountered Christ, ultimately regaining his sight through Christ's intervention. It is documented: “There was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision...Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus” (Acts 9:10-11). Note how the Lord communicated with Ananias, reflecting his strength of faith and zeal for good, exhibiting an unyielding spirit. The Macedonian, appearing to Paul in a dream, sought assistance, identifying himself as an elder endowed with wisdom and maturity of mind. The wise John expresses this further, addressing those sanctified in Christ: “I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning; I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:13). Thus, the promise of the Spirit’s outpouring is made to those who labor in His name, namely, those who earnestly listen to the words of the Gospel, moving beyond the shadows of idolatry and worldly attractions, as it is stated: “And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and notable day of the Lord” (Acts 2:19-20).

The Apostle Peter clarified that this prophecy was fulfilled during the Lord’s suffering when the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers on the day of Pentecost, and they began speaking as the Spirit enabled them, astonishing those present who wondered, ‘Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that we hear them speaking in our own tongues, each of us born of different nations?’ (Acts 2:7-9). Others questioned what this could mean (Acts 2:12), while some mocked them, saying, ‘They are filled with new wine’ (v. 12). But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and proclaimed, ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give ear to my words. For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh, and they shall prophesy’ (Acts 2:14-17).

Since Peter declares that Joel's prophecy found its fulfillment at the time of the Lord's suffering, we must consider how the earlier context relates to the later parts of the text. This exploration is essential to avoid presenting differing and contradictory interpretations of the same prophecy. The text begins with a warning, ‘Great is the day of the Lord, and very terrible; who can endure it?’ (Joel 2:11). Following this are calls for repentance: ‘Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning’ (Joel 2:12), leading to questions from the people: ‘Where is their God?’ (Joel 2:17). This indicates the Lord's call to repentance in response to tribulation. Then, it speaks of God’s zeal for His land and His compassion for His people, with promises of future blessings following repentance.

Further affirmations include, ‘I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh,’ indicating an abundance of grace not limited to a few prophets as in former days, but accessible to all who believe in Christ. Everyone, without distinction—be it Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female—will receive this outpouring, as expressed in Romans 10:12 and Galatians 3:28. The fulfillment of this promise is not confined to the apostles; it extends to all believers today, including the prophetic gifts manifested in various ways.

Signs will be shown both in heaven and on earth as manifested through significant occurrences like the sun turning dark and the moon becoming as blood. This imagery relates to the suffering of Christ and the subsequent realities, including the dramatic and profound implications of His sacrifice. The fire referenced here represents the Holy Spirit descending from heaven, igniting believers with its transformative power, providing light to those who believe while also serving as a source of spiritual torment for those who reject the truth.

As articulated by the prophets, these events foreshadow a time when salvation will be realized in Jerusalem and Zion, as the Lord has promised—where His message of hope is proclaimed. Thus, we can affirm that those who call upon the name of the Lord will indeed experience salvation, reinforcing the vital importance of genuine belief and the readiness to respond to the calling of God.

Even now, after much has been shared, we realize that understanding this prophecy requires discerning connections between past, present, and future fulfillments. Ultimately, those who recognize the actor of these words—as the apostles did—partake in both the Spirit’s outpouring and the accompanying revelations. This faith in the Holy Spirit, which unifies the body of Christ, extends the promise of salvation beyond any earthly boundaries. Such a reality invites all to partake, emphasizing the need for a genuine heart intent on seeking the Lord’s presence in faith.

Furthermore, it is evident that the Spirit plays a crucial role in the Divine Plan. We previously established that the Holy Spirit completes the sacrament of baptism, which is aligned with God's intention, as illustrated in the scripture: And the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him (Luke 7:30). This clearly shows that baptism cannot occur without the Holy Spirit, and similarly, God's judgment cannot be fulfilled without Him.

To grasp the full extent of the Spirit’s power, we must recognize that His arrival was foretold when the Lord proclaimed, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh (Joel 2:28). Consequently, the one who was promised to us embodies strength, just as the Son of God conveyed in the Gospel: ‘And I will send the promise of my Father upon you; but you shall remain in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high’ (Luke 24:49).

The Corinthians were instructed by Paul who stated, “But if all of you prophesy, and an uninformed or unbelieving person enters, they will be convinced by all and judged by all, and will fall down and worship God, declaring, 'God is truly among you.'” Also noteworthy are the four daughters of Philip who were endowed with the gift of prophecy. What can we say about the Apostle Paul, who addressed the elders of Ephesus in Miletus, warning them that after his departure, fierce wolves would enter and not spare the flock, and that men would rise from within to distort the truth? To Timothy, he lamented that “In the last days, perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, and so forth.” Furthermore, the Spirit explicitly warns that in the latter days, some will abandon the faith, following deceiving spirits. However, it's unnecessary to argue for the validity of the prophetic gift; this gift remains with us, as there are those among the saints who possess a clear vision and foretell future events. By speaking of the gifts of the Divine Spirit at the first coming of our Savior, God also foretells what is to come before His second coming.

Understand that the Apostle Paul, though often critical of the flesh, offers a fuller perspective. He acknowledges, "I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing" (Romans 7:18), and he points out that those living according to the flesh are unable to please God (Romans 8:8), for the flesh strives against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). Nevertheless, when he speaks against the flesh, he does not condemn its essence, but rather its sinful actions. His criticisms serve to rebuke the soul that allows the flesh to dominate.

Moreover, in the same letters, Paul affirms that he bears the marks of Christ on his body, advises against defiling our bodies as they are temples of God, considers our bodies as parts of Christ, and urges us to honor God through our bodies. Therefore, if the degradation of the body obstructs its resurrection, then surely its honor serves as a much greater means toward that end. It is more appropriate for God to redeem what was once denigrated than to abandon what He has previously esteemed.

During the Old Testament period, the Holy Spirit was indeed bestowed upon individuals. He inhabited, through His grace, the world before the Flood but was withdrawn from humanity shortly before, as the Lord declared a grievous judgement for their transgressions: "My Spirit shall not strive in man forever, for he is indeed flesh" (Genesis 6:3). Following the Flood, prior to Moses and during the time of the Law, the grace of the Holy Spirit was present among God's chosen people through their patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—as well as through their leaders, judges, kings, prophets, and high priests. However, this grace was not distributed as abundantly as intended for the Church of the New Covenant.

The New Covenant Church enjoys the distinct promise of the Lord to pour out His Spirit upon all of humanity. This outpouring is likened to the generous flow of rain or a spring bursting forth with water. The fulness of the Holy Spirit's grace will be evident in that it will be poured out on everyone, encompassing all individuals and not confined to a single nation (the term "flesh" is used here, indicating a part standing for the whole). Additionally, recipients will include men and women of all ages (sons, daughters, young men, old men). All will engage in prophecy, understood within scripture as speaking under the Holy Spirit's inspiration, fervently glorifying the Lord, declaring His majesty, His remarkable acts of providence and redemption, along with foretelling and guiding instruction. The gift of prophecy will be extended to believers through visions—revelations experienced while awake—and dreams, both forms by which God's messages were conveyed in the Old Testament (Numbers 12:6).

The phrase, "Upon My servants, and upon My maidservants in those days, I will pour out My Spirit," refers to those who have faith in Christ and dedicate themselves to His service. When two men among the seventy elders began to prophesy outside of the assembly, Moses' concern was expressed when a zealous observer voiced objections. Moses wished aloud, “Oh, that all the Lord's people were prophets!" (Numbers 11:29). This longing was not realized in the Old Testament Church, but in the New Testament era, the time will come when the gift of prophecy and remarkable heavenly revelations will be available to all believers, fulfilling God's promise delivered through the prophet Joel, as His word never returns void.

The Apostle Peter referenced this future fulfillment when he concluded his address on the day of the Holy Spirit’s descent, stating: "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off" (Acts 2:38-39). We witness the early stages of this promise unfolding in the inception of Christianity, marked by extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit, including prophecy, speaking in tongues, and interpreting languages unknown to the speakers. Prophetic inspiration often came upon believers temporarily, but some, like Agabus, Judas, Silas, and the four daughters of Philip, were granted the gift of prophecy permanently (Acts 11:27-28; Acts 15:32; Acts 21:9). These prophets offered their prophecies and teachings during church gatherings, with an orderly process often guiding their contributions (1 Corinthians 14:29-30).