26
`They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance' (Acts 2:4).
The assembled multitude were `confounded' and `amazed ...
saying one to another, What meaneth this?' Others mocked and
said, `These men are full of new wine' (Acts 2:6-13). It is
evident from the reaction of the multitude that something
extraordinary had happened, but the fact that these Jews, who
were `devout men', did not recognise the fulfilment of Old
Testament prophecy when they saw it, is no proof that the
prophets and Moses did not say that these things should come.
The nation rejected their Messiah, in spite of the fulfilment of
prophecy and type.
Most of our difficulties in connection with this matter vanish
when we consider Peter's inspired answer in verses 14-40, and
particularly in verse 16:
`This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel' (Acts 2:16).
If we turn to chapter 2 of this prophecy, we shall find in verses
28-32 the complete testimony to this great event. It is true that
the seven wonders in heaven and earth have not yet taken place,
but this is explained by Israel's failure to repent. All that we are
at the moment attempting, however, is to prove that the `gifts' of
the early Church were promised before in the Holy Scriptures.
Peter not only refers to Joel, but later in his explanation to the
testimony of David:
`... David ... being a prophet ... seeing this before spake of the resurrection
of Christ ... therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having
received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth
this, which ye now see and hear' (Acts 2:29-33).