Joel 2:28
And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
And afterward
The phrase "And afterward" indicates a sequence of events, suggesting that what follows is a future promise or occurrence. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "אַחֲרֵי־כֵן" (acharei-ken), which means "after this" or "afterward." This points to a prophetic timeline, emphasizing that the events described will happen after a significant period or event. In the context of Joel, this follows a call to repentance and a promise of restoration, indicating that the outpouring of God's Spirit is contingent upon the people's return to Him.

I will pour out My Spirit
The phrase "I will pour out My Spirit" is central to this prophecy. The Hebrew word for "pour out" is "שָׁפַךְ" (shafakh), which conveys the idea of a generous, abundant outpouring, much like rain. This is not a mere trickle but a lavish distribution of God's presence and power. The "Spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach) refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who empowers, guides, and transforms believers. This promise signifies a new era of spiritual intimacy and empowerment for God's people, transcending the limitations of the Old Covenant.

on all people
The phrase "on all people" is revolutionary in its inclusivity. The Hebrew term "כָּל־בָּשָׂר" (kol-basar) literally means "all flesh," indicating that this outpouring is not limited to a specific group but is available to all humanity. This democratization of the Spirit's presence breaks down barriers of ethnicity, gender, and social status, foreshadowing the New Testament fulfillment at Pentecost, where the Spirit is given to Jews and Gentiles alike.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy
Here, "Your sons and daughters will prophesy" highlights the breaking of traditional gender roles in spiritual matters. The Hebrew word for "prophesy" is "נָבָא" (naba), which means to speak or sing by inspiration, often conveying God's messages. This indicates that both men and women will be empowered to declare God's truth, reflecting a significant shift from the patriarchal norms of ancient Israelite society.

your old men will dream dreams
The phrase "your old men will dream dreams" suggests that age will not be a barrier to receiving divine revelation. Dreams, in the biblical context, are often a means through which God communicates His will and plans. The Hebrew word for "dream" is "חָלַם" (chalam), which can imply a vision or revelation received during sleep. This promise assures that the elderly, often seen as past their prime, will still play a vital role in God's unfolding plan.

your young men will see visions
Finally, "your young men will see visions" emphasizes the role of the youth in God's prophetic movement. The Hebrew word for "visions" is "חָזוֹן" (chazon), which refers to a divine revelation or insight. This suggests that young people will be granted clear, direct insights into God's purposes, equipping them to lead and inspire others. This promise of visions and dreams underscores a community where all generations are active participants in God's mission.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joel
A prophet in the Old Testament, Joel is the author of the book that bears his name. His prophecies focus on the Day of the Lord and call for repentance.

2. The People of Israel
The immediate audience of Joel's prophecy, representing God's chosen people who are called to repentance and renewal.

3. The Outpouring of the Spirit
A future event prophesied by Joel, indicating a time when God's Spirit will be given abundantly to all people, transcending age, gender, and social status.

4. Sons and Daughters
Symbolic of the younger generation who will receive the Spirit and prophesy, indicating a breaking of traditional barriers.

5. Old Men and Young Men
Representing the entire spectrum of society, these groups will experience dreams and visions, signifying divine revelation and guidance.
Teaching Points
The Universality of the Spirit's Outpouring
God's Spirit is available to all, regardless of age, gender, or social status. This challenges believers to embrace diversity within the body of Christ.

The Role of Prophecy and Revelation
Prophecy, dreams, and visions are means through which God communicates with His people. Believers should be open to receiving and discerning these messages.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Joel's prophecy finds its fulfillment in the New Testament, demonstrating God's faithfulness and the continuity of His plan through history.

Empowerment for Ministry
The outpouring of the Spirit equips believers for ministry and service, encouraging active participation in God's work.

Call to Repentance and Renewal
The context of Joel's prophecy is a call to repentance. Believers are reminded of the importance of turning to God and seeking spiritual renewal.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Joel 2:28 challenge traditional views of who can receive and share God's revelations?

2. In what ways does the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy at Pentecost (Acts 2) impact our understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in the Church today?

3. How can we discern and respond to dreams, visions, and prophecies in our own lives while remaining grounded in Scripture?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our church community reflects the inclusivity and diversity seen in the outpouring of the Spirit?

5. How does the call to repentance in the book of Joel apply to our personal and communal spiritual lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 2:17-21
Peter quotes Joel 2:28 during Pentecost, explaining the fulfillment of this prophecy as the Holy Spirit is poured out on the believers, marking the birth of the Church.

Numbers 11:29
Moses expresses a desire for all of God's people to be prophets and have His Spirit, foreshadowing the democratization of the Spirit seen in Joel's prophecy.

Galatians 3:28
Paul speaks of the unity and equality in Christ, echoing the inclusive nature of the Spirit's outpouring in Joel 2:28.
A Quickened ImaginationThos. Phillips.Joel 2:28
Dreaming Dreams and Seeing VisionsHerbert B. Workman.Joel 2:28
Prosperity and the SpiritG. Adam Smith, D. D.Joel 2:28
Seeing God in DreamsT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.Joel 2:28
The Coming ConflictBishop Boyd Carpenter.Joel 2:28
The Dreams of YouthJ. W. Butcher.Joel 2:28
The Gospel DispensationJ. Alexander Macdonald.Joel 2:28
The Holy Spirit PromisedSermons by Monday ClubJoel 2:28
The Manifestation of the Holy GhostSunday in ChurchJoel 2:28
The Nature of the Great Spiritual Change Which We AnticipateJames Parsons.Joel 2:28
The New Gospel EraJ. S. Exell, M. A.Joel 2:28
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit Essential to a Revival of ReligionW. Yates.Joel 2:28
The Outpouring of the Spirit the Property and Security of the Church of GodWilliam Borrows, M. A.Joel 2:28
The Promise of the SpiritJames Stirling Muir.Joel 2:28
The Promise of the SpiritEmilius Bayley.Joel 2:28
The Properties of the Gospel DispensationC. H. Tiffany, D. D.Joel 2:28
The SeerF. W. Boreham.Joel 2:28
Visions of GodF. S. Webster, M. A.Joel 2:28
The Outpouring of the Holy SpiritA. Rowland Joel 2:28, 29
The Outpouring of the SpiritJ.R. Thomson Joel 2:28, 29
The Gospel AgeD. Thomas Joel 2:28-32
People
Joel
Places
Jerusalem, Mount Zion, Tigris-Euphrates Region, Zion
Topics
Afterward, Afterwards, Daughters, Dream, Dreams, Flesh, Mankind, Pass, Pour, Prophesied, Prophesy, Prophets, Says, Sons, Spirit, Visions
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joel 2:28

     1409   dream
     1466   vision
     1469   visions
     3281   Holy Spirit, inspiration
     4018   life, spiritual
     4824   famine, spiritual
     5674   daughters
     5695   girls
     5738   sons
     8128   guidance, receiving

Joel 2:23-28

     9220   day of the LORD

Joel 2:28-29

     3030   Holy Spirit, power
     3040   Holy Spirit, promise of
     3110   Holy Spirit, titles of
     3242   Holy Spirit, baptism with
     3272   Holy Spirit, in OT
     3275   Holy Spirit, in the church
     4804   breath
     4921   day
     5707   male and female
     5714   men
     5745   women
     7968   spiritual gifts, nature of
     8261   generosity, God's
     9145   Messianic age

Joel 2:28-32

     1429   prophecy, OT fulfilment
     2424   gospel, promises
     7408   Pentecost
     8145   renewal, people of God
     9140   last days

Library
December 16. "I Will Restore to You the Years that the Locust Hath Eaten, the Canker Worm and the Caterpillar and the Palmer Worm, My Great Army, which I Sent among You" (Joel ii. 25).
"I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the canker worm and the caterpillar and the palmer worm, my great army, which I sent among you" (Joel ii. 25). A friend said to me once: "I have got to reap what I sowed, for God has said: 'Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' Then why don't you apply this in the spiritual world, and compel the sinner to pay the penalty of his sins?" Christ has borne this penalty, and the same Christ has borne the natural penalties, too, and
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

A Free Grace Promise
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered."--Joel 2:32. VENGEANCE was in full career. The armies of divine justice had been called forth for war: "They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war." They had invaded and devastated the land, and turned the land from being like the garden of Eden into a desolate wilderness. All faces gathered blackness: the people were "much pained" The sun itself was dim, the moon was dark,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889

The Locust-Swarms
JOEL ii. 12, 13. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. This is one of the grandest chapters in the whole Old Testament, and one which may teach us a great deal; and, above all, teach us to be thankful to God for the blessings which
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Distinction Between Exterior and Interior Actions --Those of the Soul in this Condition are Interior, but Habitual, Continued, Direct, Profound, Simple, and Imperceptible --Being a Continual
The actions of men are either exterior or interior. The exterior are those which appear outwardly, and have a sensible object, possessing neither good nor evil qualities, excepting as they receive them from the interior principle in which they originate. It is not of these that I intend to speak, but only of interior actions, which are those actions of the soul by which it applies itself inwardly to some object, or turns away from some other. When, being applied to God, I desire to commit an
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

It is Strange that These Delightful Promises Affect us Coldly...
It is strange that these delightful promises affect us coldly, or scarcely at all, so that the generality of men prefer to wander up and down, forsaking the fountain of living waters, and hewing out to themselves broken cisterns, rather than embrace the divine liberality voluntarily offered to them (Jer. 2:13). "The name of the Lord," says Solomon, "is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." (Pr. 18:10) Joel, after predicting the fearful disaster which was at hand, subjoins the
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

The Holy Spirit of Promise
The Holy Spirit was promised through the prophets. "Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places."--Isa.
J. W. Byers—Sanctification

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or Until the Death of Theodosius the Great, 395
The history of the Church in the first period of the second division of the history of ancient Christianity has to deal primarily with three lines of development, viz.: first, the relation of the Church to the imperial authority and the religious forces of the times, whereby the Church became established as the sole authorized religion of the Empire, and heathenism and heresy were prohibited by law; secondly, the development of the doctrinal system of the Church until the end of the Arian controversy,
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History

Ash Wednesday. Gather the People . . And Let the Priests, the Ministers of the Lord, Weep Between the Porch and the Alter, and Let them Say, Spare Thy People, O Lord.
Gather the people . . and let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the alter, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord. Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn [69]Albinus. 1652. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 Not in anger smite us, Lord, Spare Thy people, spare! If Thou mete us due reward We must all despair. Let the flood Of Jesus' blood Quench the flaming of Thy wrath, That our sin enkindled hath. Father! Thou hast patience long With the sick and weak; Heal us, make
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

Whether Fasting is an Act of virtue?
Objection 1: It would seem that fasting is not an act of virtue. For every act of virtue is acceptable to God. But fasting is not always acceptable to God, according to Is. 58:3, "Why have we fasted and Thou hast not regarded?" Therefore fasting is not an act of virtue. Objection 2: Further, no act of virtue forsakes the mean of virtue. Now fasting forsakes the mean of virtue, which in the virtue of abstinence takes account of the necessity of supplying the needs of nature, whereas by fasting something
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether this Sacrament was Suitably Instituted in the New Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that this sacrament was unsuitably instituted in the New Law. Because those things which belong to the natural law need not to be instituted. Now it belongs to the natural law that one should repent of the evil one has done: for it is impossible to love good without grieving for its contrary. Therefore Penance was unsuitably instituted in the New Law. Objection 2: Further, that which existed in the Old Law had not to be instituted in the New. Now there was Penance in the
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether all Sins are Taken Away by Penance?
Objection 1: It would seem that not all sins are taken away by Penance. For the Apostle says (Heb. 12:17) that Esau "found no place of repentance, although with tears he had sought it," which a gloss explains as meaning that "he found no place of pardon and blessing through Penance": and it is related (2 Macc. 9:13) of Antiochus, that "this wicked man prayed to the Lord, of Whom he was not to obtain mercy." Therefore it does not seem that all sins are taken away by Penance. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether all are Bound to Keep the Fasts of the Church?
Objection 1: It would seem that all are bound to keep the fasts of the Church. For the commandments of the Church are binding even as the commandments of God, according to Lk. 10:16, "He that heareth you heareth Me." Now all are bound to keep the commandments of God. Therefore in like manner all are bound to keep the fasts appointed by the Church. Objection 2: Further, children especially are seemingly not exempt from fasting, on account of their age: for it is written (Joel 2:15): "Sanctify a fast,"
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ had any Acquired Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that in Christ there was no empiric and acquired knowledge. For whatever befitted Christ, He had most perfectly. Now Christ did not possess acquired knowledge most perfectly, since He did not devote Himself to the study of letters, by which knowledge is acquired in its perfection; for it is said (Jn. 7:15): "The Jews wondered, saying: How doth this Man know letters, having never learned?" Therefore it seems that in Christ there was no acquired knowledge. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether this Name "Holy Ghost" is the Proper Name of one Divine Person?
Objection 1: It would seem that this name, "Holy Ghost," is not the proper name of one divine person. For no name which is common to the three persons is the proper name of any one person. But this name of 'Holy Ghost' [*It should be borne in mind that the word "ghost" is the old English equivalent for the Latin "spiritus," whether in the sense of "breath" or "blast," or in the sense of "spirit," as an immaterial substance. Thus, we read in the former sense (Hampole, Psalter x, 7), "The Gost of Storms"
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether There Can be Anything Pernicious in the Worship of the True God?
Objection 1: It would seem that there cannot be anything pernicious in the worship of the true God. It is written (Joel 2:32): "Everyone that shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Now whoever worships God calls upon His name. Therefore all worship of God is conducive to salvation, and consequently none is pernicious. Objection 2: Further, it is the same God that is worshiped by the just in any age of the world. Now before the giving of the Law the just worshiped God in whatever manner
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Deeds Deadened by Sin, are Revived by Penance?
Objection 1: It would seem that deeds deadened by sin are not revived by Penance. Because just as past sins are remitted by subsequent Penance, so are deeds previously done in charity, deadened by subsequent sin. But sins remitted by Penance do not return, as stated above ([4804]Q[88], AA[1],2). Therefore it seems that neither are dead deeds revived by charity. Objection 2: Further, deeds are said to be deadened by comparison with animals who die, as stated above [4805](A[4]). But a dead animal cannot
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret Operation of the Spirit.
1. The Holy Spirit the bond which unites us with Christ. This the result of faith produced by the secret operation of the Holy Spirit. This obvious from Scripture. 2. In Christ the Mediator the gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be seen in all their fulness. To what end. Why the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of the Father and the Son. 3. Titles of the Spirit,--1. The Spirit of adoption. 2. An earnest and seal. 3. Water. 4. Life. 5. Oil and unction. 6. Fire. 7. A fountain. 8. The word of God. Use
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Books of the Old Testament as a Whole. 1 the Province of Particular Introduction is to Consider the Books of the Bible Separately...
CHAPTER XVIII. THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT AS A WHOLE. 1. The province of Particular Introduction is to consider the books of the Bible separately, in respect to their authorship, date, contents, and the place which each of them holds in the system of divine truth. Here it is above all things important that we begin with the idea of the unity of divine revelation--that all the parts of the Bible constitute a gloriously perfect whole, of which God and not man is the author. No amount of study devoted
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Severinus in Germany.
As the Lord ever sends his angels when there is most need of help, so in the midst of the desolation and destruction which ensued on that irruption of the barbarians by which the Roman empire was broken in pieces after the death of Attila, the great desolator and exterminator, (A. D. 453,) He sent to the aid of the oppressed people of Germany, on the banks of the Danube, in their sore need, a man endowed with an extraordinary energy of love. His whole appearance has in it something enigmatical. As
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
As we have seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it very clear that Israel will yet be restored to God's favor and be rehabilitated in Palestine. But before that glad time arrives, the Jews have to pass through a season of sore trouble and affliction, during which God severely chastises them for their sins and punishes them for the rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah. Fearful indeed have been the past experiences of "the nation of the weary feet" but a darker path than
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
Subdivision A. Pharisaic Leaven. A Blind Man Healed. (Magadan and Bethsaida. Probably Summer, a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XV. 39-XVI. 12; ^B Mark VIII. 10-26. ^b 10 And straightway he entered into the boat with his disciples, ^a and came into the borders of Magadan. ^b into the parts of Dalmanutha. [It appears from the context that he crossed the lake to the west shore. Commentators, therefore, pretty generally think that Magadan is another form of the name Magdala, and that Dalmanutha was either another
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Whether those who had Been Baptized with John's Baptism had to be Baptized with the Baptism of Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that those who had been baptized with John's baptism had not to be baptized with the baptism of Christ. For John was not less than the apostles, since of him is it written (Mat. 11:11): "There hath not risen among them that are born of women a greater than John the Baptist." But those who were baptized by the apostles were not baptized again, but only received the imposition of hands; for it is written (Acts 8:16,17) that some were "only baptized" by Philip "in the name
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Three Things Briefly to be Regarded in Christ --viz. His Offices of Prophet, King, and Priest.
1. Among heretics and false Christians, Christ is found in name only; but by those who are truly and effectually called of God, he is acknowledged as a Prophet, King, and Priest. In regard to the Prophetical Office, the Redeemer of the Church is the same from whom believers under the Law hoped for the full light of understanding. 2. The unction of Christ, though it has respect chiefly to the Kingly Office, refers also to the Prophetical and Priestly Offices. The dignity, necessity, and use of this
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Because of Its Bearing Upon the Gentiles.
This aspect of our subject has not received the attention which it deserves. It has been assumed by some that the present dispensation is the time when God is blessing the Gentiles and that in the Millennium the Jews will be the special objects of God's favor. It is true that in the Millennium Israel shall enter into the enjoyment of their inheritance and that at that time they shall occupy the chief position, governmentally, among the nations, but it is a mistake to suppose that the Gentiles will
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

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