While the apostles were speaking these other languages, some mocked them, saying they were probably “filled with new wine.” But Peter stood with the eleven (the eleven apostles who were filled with the Spirit) and said that “these men are not drunk…since it is only the third hour of the day.” Adam Clarke explains:

“That is, about nine o‘clock in the morning, previously to which the Jews scarcely ever ate or drank, for that hour was the hour of prayer. This custom appears to have been so common that even the most intemperate among the Jews were not known to transgress it” (Adam Clarke, The Adam Clarke Commentary, available at http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/acc/view.cgi?bk=43&ch=2)

Peter then explains what is happening by quoting prophecy from Joel 2:28-32, saying in part:

“And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;
even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.”

The “last days” do not, as some might suppose, represent the end of the world or the second coming of our Lord, but rather a period of time ushered in by this day. It represents the fulfillment of God’s promises of His plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus. It is spoken of in many other passages, such as 1 Corinthians 10:11, Hebrews 1:2, and 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Paul ends his warning to Timothy in that last one, which is about people in the last days, by saying “avoid such people,” making it clear that the “last days” spoken of have begun already.

Peter continues quoting from Joel, with some apocalyptic verses that obviously are about the signs and wonders that will occur before the fateful A.D. destruction of Jerusalem (verses 19-20). But the most important verse that Peter quoted was the last – most appropriate for that day:

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Acts here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 2 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.