Come Holy Spiritنموونە

THIS IS THAT

When Peter stood before the bewildered crowd on the day of Pentecost, he didn't offer apologies or explanations for the supernatural manifestations they had witnessed. Instead, he made one of the most profound declarations in Christian history: "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel."

With these four simple words—"This is that"—Peter bridged centuries of prophetic promise with present reality. The Greek phrase τοῦτό ἐστιν (touto estin) carries the force of absolute identification. What Joel had prophesied about the last days wasn't future anymore—it was happening before their very eyes.

Peter's reference to Joel 2:28-32 ESV was no casual citation. Joel had promised that God would "pour out" His Spirit on "all flesh"—not just prophets, priests, or kings, but sons and daughters, young and old, servants and free. The Hebrew word for "pour out" (שָׁפַךְ, shaphak) suggests an abundant, even lavish outpouring, like water cascading from a broken dam.

The crowd's accusation of drunkenness actually served Peter's purpose. He pointed out the obvious—it was only 9 AM, far too early for such intoxication. But there was a deeper irony: they were indeed "drunk," but not on wine. They were intoxicated with the Spirit of God, fulfilling Ephesians 5:18 (ESV) command to "be filled with the Spirit" rather than drunk with wine.

Notice Peter's theological precision. He didn't say, "This is like that which Joel spoke," but "This IS that." (Acts 2:16 ESV) The prophecy wasn't merely illustrated or partially fulfilled—it was definitively accomplished. The last days had begun, and the Spirit's democratic distribution was now a reality.

The phrase "last days" (ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις, eschatais hēmerais) marks a new era in redemptive history. From Pentecost forward, we live in the age of the Spirit's universal availability. What was once limited to select individuals is now the birthright of every believer.

Peter's declaration in verse 39 extends this promise beyond the immediate audience: "The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off." The Greek construction indicates this isn't temporally limited—it reaches across generations and geographical boundaries. Every person "whom the Lord our God shall call" inherits this Pentecostal promise.

Throughout Acts, we see repeated confirmations of "This is that." In Samaria (Acts 8), Caesarea (Acts 10), and Ephesus (Acts 19), the same Spirit falls with similar manifestations. Each outpouring declares afresh: "This is that which Joel prophesied." (Acts 2:16 ESV)

The beauty of Peter's declaration is its present-tense relevance. Pentecost wasn't a historical curiosity but an ongoing reality. The same Spirit who fell then continues falling now. The same signs that amazed Jerusalem can still amaze our generation.

When we celebrate Pentecost, we don't commemorate a past event but participate in a continuing promise. When the Spirit moves in our midst—whether through tongues, prophecy, healing, or holy boldness—we can declare with apostolic confidence: "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel!"

Keep seeking the ongoing, continual presence of God in your everyday life and watch Him work in and through you.

Prayer:

Ask God to open your eyes to recognise "This is that" moments in your own life.

Ask for boldness to declare God's works without apology or explanation.

Pray for the Spirit to fall on your family, church, and community as He did in Acts.