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2:15 the third hour: About 9 A.M. Jewish pilgrims normally fasted the morning of Pentecost, a fact that makes drunkenness an unlikely explanation for the excitement. Back to text.
2:17-21 Pentecost confirms the arrival of the messianic age. • The text for Peter's first sermon is Joel 2:28-32, which envisions an outpouring of the Spirit upon men and women, young and old, slaves and free. Signs and wonders would abound in this new age and salvation would come through the name of the Lord. Peter links the "wonders" and "signs" (Acts 2:19) with the mighty deeds of Jesus (2:22) and identifies him as the saving "Lord" (2:36) whose "name" is invoked in Baptism (2:38). It is significant in this context that Joel was speaking of the saved remnant of Israel rescued from Jerusalem (Joel 2:32). Other prophecies corroborate his vision of the Spirit poured out at the turn of the ages (Is 32:15; 44:3; Ezek 36:26-27; 39:29). Back to text.
2:17 the last days: The first days of the New Covenant overlap with the final days of the Old (Heb 1:2). • The expression comes, not from Joel, but from several prophetic oracles of the messianic age (Num 24:14; Is 2:2; Dan 2:28; Hos 3:5). Back to text.
2:20 day of the Lord: A day of divine judgment for Israel (Zech 14:1-5). See note on 2 Pet 3:10. Back to text.
2:23 the definite plan: The collaboration of Jewish and Roman authorities to execute Jesus was part of a divine program for our salvation (4:27-28; CCC 599-600). Back to text.
2:25 I saw the Lord: A citation from Ps 16:8-11. • In Ps 16 David rejoices in the Lord and prays for preservation from death. Since David eventually died, as evidenced by his tomb in Jerusalem (2:29), Peter concludes that his prayer is only fulfilled in the Messiah, who alone rose from the dead untouched by corruption (2:31). This mystery of incorruption is expressed by Jesus' rising on the third day, since Jewish tradition held that the process of bodily decay did not begin until the fourth day after death (Jn 11:39; CCC 627). Back to text.
2:30 an oath: A sworn guarantee from God that cannot be revoked. • Peter refers to the covenant Yahweh made with David to continue his dynastic line forever (Ps 89:3-4; 132:11-12). The oath is fulfilled in Jesus, who reigns forever from the throne of David in heaven (Lk 1:32-33). See essay: Kingdom Restoration at Acts 15. Back to text.
2:34 The Lord said to my Lord: A citation from Ps 110:1, the most frequently cited psalm in the NT. • David overhears Yahweh (Lord) inviting the Davidic Messiah (my Lord) to sit beside him in heaven while he subdues his enemies on earth. This enthronement scene is the fulfillment of Yahweh's covenant of everlasting kingship sworn to David (2:30). The tomb of David in Jerusalem is evidence that David was prophesying of someone other than himself (2:29). Back to text.
2:36 Lord: A messianic title for Jesus used in the preceding citations from Scripture (2:21, 34). It was a royal title used for the kings of Israel (1 Kings 1:37) as well as a divine title used in the Greek OT to translate the name "Yahweh" (CCC 446, 449). Christ: The anointed Messiah. See word study: Christ at Mk 14. Back to text.
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