Acts 2:14-21 - The Phenomenon Explained

Peter, the leading Apostle, stood up with the other eleven who took their position with him, including Matthias the replacement. Then unabashedly and boldly, Peter explained to the crowd what was actually happening.

The same cowardly Peter who only some 50 days earlier denied the Master and went into hiding. The same Peter who earlier wanted to return to his old fishing trade, had now been transformed.  What a difference the Holy Spirit could make in one's life!  His was a remarkable transformation.

So the transformed Peter addressed the audience. He respectfully addressed  them, "Men of  Judea and all who lived in Jerusalem." And humbly, he explained to them that it was far too early for them to be drunk, as it was only nine o'clock in the morning. What happened took place because it's the dawning of a brand new day. It's the dawning of a brand new age.

What they were experiencing was beyond human explanation. It's the work of the Holy Spirit. It's the promise of  the Father being poured out.  His Spirit had been sent to fill all flesh. This was not a spur-of-the-moment experience. It was foretold by the prophet, Joel. Long before this would take place, God's prophet had already declared this special moment.

Joel foretold that regardless of gender, age or status, everyone could have this spiritual encounter. God's intention was clear. He wants all to experience this amazing power of the Holy Spirit. This third person of the Holy Trinity would bring to God's children the varied wonderful experiences.

Whether sons or daughters, they would prophesy. And the  young men would also see vision, and the old men dream dreams. All barriers would be removed. Regardless of  gender - man or woman; or age - young or old; or social barrier - slaves or free, God would make no distinction. All could experience this amazing grace of God's power.

Joel had also predicted what would happen in the last days - in the sky there would be wonders and on earth there would be great signs. Blood, fire, vapor and smoke, imageries of calamities of nature or war would be common. We are aware that there is no indication that war would abate any time soon. Then the signs in the sun and moon indicate the ushering in of the last day (Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 24:29). All these events point to the coming of The Lord - the great and glorious day.

However, the crux of Joel's message is found in verse 21. ‘And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

The reticent Peter became God's amazing spokesman. What brought the transformation? The Holy Spirit of course! God wants us to have this amazing transformation too, so that we can be His spokesmen in the world. He is also aware of our problems and shortcomings. That's why He had made the Holy Spirit available to us to transform our lives. He is waiting to do a work in us. So let's not wait any longer!