The Spirit and The Fire: Joel, John and Pentecost

There are two primary prophets who foresaw the events that would take place on Pentecost… Joel and John (the Baptist). And as expected they have remarkable parallels with each other. Let’s take a look.

1. The Spirit. Joel says the Spirit would be poured out while John states that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

2. Fire. Joel says fire (and other wonders would occur). John states that Jesus would baptize with fire.

3. Judgement Day. Joel predicts a “great and terrible Day of the Lord” John predicts a “winnowing” judgement.

4. Salvation. Joel says that all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. John states that the wheat will be gathered into the barn.

5. Fate of the wicked. Joel’s Day of the Lord includes God’s judgement on his enemies. John states that the “chaff” will be burned.

Remarkably parallel and a consistent message prophetically from the Old Testament to the New with a clear message… when the Messiah comes he will bring both Salvation and Judgement.

These prophecies explain each other and their fulfillment in Acts 2 gives absolute clarity to their meaning

What is also clear in these two prophecies and their fulfillment is that the prophecy was not complete on the Day of Pentecost but is progressive until the final Day of the Lord.