Acts 2:12-21 CSB
They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" [13] But some sneered and said, "They're drunk on new wine." [14] Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them, "Fellow Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words. [15] For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it's only nine in the morning. [16] On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: [17] And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all people; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. [18] I will even pour out my Spirit on my servants in those days, both men and women and they will prophesy. [19] I will display wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below: blood and fire and a cloud of smoke. [20] The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes. [21] Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Joel 2:28-31 CSB
After this I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions. [29] I will even pour out my Spirit on the male and female slaves in those days. [30] I will display wonders in the heavens and on the earth: blood, fire, and columns of smoke. [31] The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes.
Last Days
I wipe sweat from my brow as I finish scrubbing the last of the clay pots. Jerusalem’s narrow streets overflow with pilgrims—bearded men in dusty robes from Parthia, Media, and as far as Egypt, their voices a tapestry of accents haggling at market stalls. Soon Shavuot will end, and these strangers will disappear like morning mist. The commemoration of Moses receiving the Torah is sacred—I’ve always found comfort in watching the faithful stream toward the Temple, their faces alight with purpose.
“What is that noise?” A howl like desert winds tears through the morning air, rattling shutters and scattering pigeons from rooftops. “Is that a windstorm from the hills? Are buildings collapsing?”
I shield my eyes against the sun and peer toward the commotion. People surge like a human river—merchants abandoning wares, women clutching children to their chests, young men sprinting ahead with sandals slapping against cobblestones. My curiosity pulls me forward.
As I round the corner into the crowded square, I hear a Libyan trader gasping that these Galileans speak a perfect Cyrene dialect. An Egyptian beside me nods vigorously, claiming they’re speaking Alexandria’s Greek. All I hear is incomprehensible shouting—like the babbling of drunkards. But it’s barely past dawn; the wine shops haven’t even opened their skins.
This confusion was the “shaking of the jars” that allowed the Truth to pour out. Jesus had told His followers to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. We remember the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:11 (CSB): “I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I… He himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” The Spirit had finally come with power. The sign of His arrival was so overwhelming that it drew the entire city to the scene. Suddenly, a switch was thrown. The Apostles and followers—the same ones who had recently hidden behind closed doors in fear—now stepped out with a boldness that defied logic. Peter stood up to clarify the chaos. He made it clear: these people were not drunk. Instead, a divine change had occurred—the weak had become strong, and those who once lacked the words had finally found their tongues.
Before Peter told the crowd about Jesus, he explained the sign of the coming Holy Spirit. He reached back into the Word, quoting the Prophet Joel: “And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all people…” Peter was showing them that the Spirit is the one who gives us the words when we cannot find our own. He is the one who makes us a profitable witness.
The Holy Spirit came in power, performing miracles to show that these humans—who are really just jars of clay—are blessed by God and sealed by the Spirit Himself. We are commissioned by Jesus to preach the way of salvation and to build His Church. The Spirit does much for us, but His primary work in this moment was to empower believers to spread the Word so that others might believe.
When I rely on myself—when I try to tell others about Jesus on my own power—I often fail. But it is the Spirit that gives us the words and opens the ears of those hearing us. The Spirit is the power within God’s Word.
Reflection Questions
- In the narrative, the observer is busy scrubbing clay pots when God moves. How often do we miss the “rushing wind” of the Spirit because we are too focused on our daily “scrubbing” and chores?
- Peter used the ancient words of Joel to explain a current miracle. How can knowing God’s Word help you make sense of the “commotion” or trials in your own life today?
- When you think about sharing your faith, do you feel like a “jar of clay”? How does it comfort you to know that the power comes from the Spirit inside, not the jar itself?
Prayer
Father,
We thank You for the pouring out of Your Spirit. We thank You that You chose to inhabit “jars of clay” like us to carry Your magnificent message. Forgive us for the times we try to speak in our own strength or rely on our own wisdom. Fill us again with Your Holy Spirit, grant us the boldness of Peter, and give us the words to reach those whose ears You have opened. May we be faithful witnesses of Your grace today and every day.
Amen.
