But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

ACTS 2:16KJV
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Acts 2:16 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:16 mean?

Acts 2:16 says that what is happening at that moment is the fulfillment of something the prophet Joel spoke about long ago. Peter is explaining to the crowd that the unusual events they are witnessing are not random or new, but were predicted in the Jewish Scriptures.

Peter is speaking to a large group in Jerusalem during the festival of Pentecost, after the Holy Spirit has come upon Jesus’ followers and they begin speaking in different languages. Some in the crowd are confused or mocking, so Peter stands up and clarifies that these events are exactly what Joel prophesied. This sets the stage for Peter to quote Joel’s words and show that God’s promises are being fulfilled right before their eyes.

The Greek behind Acts 2:16

  • "spoken" (εἰρημένον, eirēmenon): This Greek word often means something that has been formally declared or announced. Peter is stressing that these events were not just hinted at, but clearly stated by Joel.
  • "by" (διὰ, dia): This word can mean "through" or "by means of," highlighting that Joel was the channel through whom God delivered this message. It emphasizes the authority and source of the prophecy.

Why Acts 2:16 matters

  • Acts 2:16 clears up confusion by showing that the dramatic events at Pentecost are not a sign of chaos or drunkenness, but fulfillment of God’s plan as revealed in Scripture.
  • The verse connects the early Christian experience directly to the Hebrew Scriptures, grounding the new movement in the promises and expectations of Israel’s prophets.
  • By pointing to Joel, Peter invites his Jewish listeners to see continuity rather than contradiction between their faith heritage and what is happening among Jesus’ followers.

Where else these words appear

“spoken” Greek G2046 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  • Luke 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
  • Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

“prophet” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
  • Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?