Acts 2:16-21 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

But this is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel But there is another and better way of accounting for what you see and hear. It is the accomplishment of a remarkable prophecy, in its primary and literal sense intended of these times, and this event. Of this whole paragraph see the notes on Joel 2:28-32, where it is explained at large. It shall come to pass in the last days So the times of the Messiah are frequently called, the gospel being the last dispensation of divine grace; I will pour out of my Spirit Not on the day of pentecost only; upon all flesh On persons of every age, sex, and rank. And your young men shall see visions In young men the outward senses are most vigorous, and the bodily strength is entire, whereby they are best qualified to sustain the shock which usually attends the visions of God. In old men the internal senses are most vigorous, suited to divine dreams. Not that the old are wholly excluded from the former, or the young from the latter. And upon my servants On those who are literally in a state of servitude. And I will show prodigies in heaven above, and signs on earth beneath Great revelations of grace are usually attended with great judgments on those who reject it. In heaven Treated of, Acts 2:20. On earth Described in this verse. Such signs were those mentioned Acts 2:22, before the passion of Christ; which are so mentioned as to include also those at the very time of the passion and resurrection, at the destruction of Jerusalem, and at the end of the world. Terrible, indeed, were those prodigies in particular, which preceded the destruction of Jerusalem: such as the flaming sword hanging over the city, and the fiery comet, pointing down upon it for a year; the light that shone upon the temple and the altar in the night, as if it had been noon-day; the opening of the great and heavy gate of the temple without hands; the voice heard from the most holy place, Let us depart hence; the admonition of Jesus, the son of Ananus, crying, for seven years together, Wo, wo, wo; the vision of contending armies in the air, and of intrenchments thrown up against a city there represented; the terrible thunders and lightnings, and dreadful earthquakes, which every one considered as portending some great evil: all which, through the singular providence of God, are particularly recorded by Josephus. Blood War and slaughter. Fire Burning of houses and towns, involving all in clouds of smoke. See the notes on Isaiah 66:6; Luke 21:11. The moon shall be turned into blood A bloody colour; before the day of the Lord Eminently the last day; though not excluding any other day or season, wherein the Lord shall manifest his glory, in taking vengeance on his adversaries. But whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord This expression implies the whole of religion, and particularly prayer uttered in faith; shall be saved From all those plagues: from sin and hell. See on Joel 2:32.