Theological Sketch Book Acts 2:17-21 And it shall come to pass in the last days, said God, I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh… In this highly interesting chapter we find an account — 1. Of the Divine testimony borne to the truth of the gospel by the descent of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. 2. Of the different effects which this event produced on the different characters who witnessed it. In the devout it excited amazement, which led them to make serious inquiry respecting what was occurring (ver. 5-12). In the careless it excited contempt. But the wrath of man turned to the praise of God; for in the sequel we find an account. 3. Of Peter's discourse in reply to those aspersions thus east on the works of God by His wicked opposers. I. SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THESE WORDS. Here we may notice — 1. The blessing promised: God's Spirit. "I will pour out of My Spirit, saith God." By the Spirit here promised is meant both His miraculous and saving influence. 2. The manner of its dispensation; it will be poured out. This indicates the prerogative of God; that the influences of His Spirit are at His disposal. The pouring out of God's Spirit also indicates the special properties of the blessing promised. For instance, that it will be gratuitous, abundant, perpetual. 3. The extent of its influence upon all flesh. By all flesh is meant the whole human race, however distinguished, by descent, by circumstances, or by sex. 4. The season of its communication — the last days. By the last days are certainly meant the days in which we now live. 5. The certainty of its effusion. It shall come to pass, saith God, in the last days, "I will pour out of My Spirit." This event is certain — for it is predicted, and it will be fulfilled. It is promised, and will be performed. II. SOME APPLICATION OF THEM. 1. The strong claims which this subject has on our attention. It claims attention by the importance of the blessing which it exhibits. 2. The duties to which this subject urges us. It particularly urges us to apply for the saving influences of God's Spirit, as He requires us in His Word. By repentance (Acts 2:38, 39); by faith in Christ (John 7:39; Galatians 3:14); and by earnest importunate prayer (Luke 11:13). 3. The hopes with which this subject inspires us. On engaging in the duties to which our text urges us, it encourages us to hope — for the saving influence of God's Spirit in our own souls: for the general effusion of God's Spirit on the human race. (Theological Sketch Book.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out 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: |
    |