What Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in Peter's speech in Acts 2:14? Opening the Scene Peter has just been filled with the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem. A crowd gathers, bewildered by the apostles speaking in many languages. In verse 14 Peter raises his voice and begins to explain what God has done. His short sermon weaves together several Old Testament prophecies that are now coming true before everyone’s eyes. Joel 2:28-32 — The Spirit Poured Out • Acts 2:16-21 explicitly quotes Joel 2:28-32. • Joel foretold a day when the Spirit would be poured out on “all people,” crossing gender, age, and social lines. • Fulfillment: At Pentecost, men and women, young and old, are all speaking in languages they never learned. • Key lines Peter cites: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people…” (Acts 2:17). “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2:21). • Related promises: Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiel 39:29—both speak of a future Spirit outpouring, echoing Joel’s theme. Psalm 16:8-11 — The Resurrection of the Messiah • Acts 2:25-28 quotes Psalm 16:8-11 (a psalm of David). • David writes of One whose body will not see decay and whose soul will not be abandoned to Sheol. • Fulfillment: Jesus’ tomb is empty, and eyewitnesses have seen Him alive. • Peter’s logic (Acts 2:29-32): David’s grave is still with us; therefore David was speaking prophetically about the Messiah. • By citing this psalm, Peter shows that the resurrection was promised long in advance. Psalm 110:1 — The Exaltation of the Messiah • Acts 2:34-35 quotes Psalm 110:1. • “The LORD said to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’”. • Fulfillment: Jesus has ascended and is now enthroned at God’s right hand (Acts 2:33). • The ascension validates His present reign and future return to subdue all opposition. The Davidic Oath — 2 Samuel 7:12-13 and Psalm 132:11 • Peter alludes to the covenant promise that God swore to David: one of his descendants would sit on his throne forever (Acts 2:30). • 2 Samuel 7:12-13, 16 and Psalm 132:11 form the background. • Fulfillment: Jesus, physically descended from David, is raised and exalted to the eternal throne. Composite Prophetic Picture • Outpouring of the Spirit — Joel 2; Isaiah 44; Ezekiel 39. • Resurrection of the Holy One — Psalm 16. • Heavenly enthronement — Psalm 110. • Everlasting Davidic kingship — 2 Samuel 7; Psalm 132. All converge in Acts 2:14-36. Peter’s message is crystal-clear: the long-awaited promises are now fulfilled in Jesus, and the evidence—the Spirit’s powerful presence—stands right in front of the crowd. |
    |