And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage isn't just about future apocalyptic events; it highlights how God uses even terrifying phenomena like blood, fire, and smoke as "signs." These aren't random occurrences but purposeful displays intended to reveal His power and draw attention to His judgment and coming kingdom.
And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is explaining Joel’s prophecy about the "last days," which he believes has begun with the coming of the Holy Spirit. He uses vivid imagery of chaotic signs in the heavens and earth to describe the judgment that will accompany God's powerful acts. This dramatic description prepares the audience for the call to repentance that immediately follows.
Why does the prophecy mention wonders in the heavens and signs on the earth? What does this dual focus tell us about God's perspective?
This verse, quoting Joel, describes dramatic and unsettling events.
Cosmic Disturbances
The phrase "wonders in the heavens" and "signs on the earth" points to a disruption of the natural order. This isn't just about human conflict; it's about God revealing His power and judgment in ways that shake the very foundations of creation. Think of it as the universe itself groaning under the weight of sin and anticipating divine intervention.
Emblems of Calamity
The specific imagery – "blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke" – paints a stark picture. These aren't random occurrences but powerful symbols:
Together, they signify immense turmoil and divine judgment, often foreshadowing significant historical upheavals.
What does it mean for the 'Day of the Lord' to be marked by such terrifying signs? Is it just a day of destruction?
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The prophecy speaks of the 'great and notable day of the Lord.' While Peter applies this to the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, he's tapping into a deep Old Testament concept.
More Than Just Judgment
The 'Day of the Lord' in Scripture is often associated with God's direct intervention in human affairs, usually involving judgment. However, it's not solely about destruction. It signifies a moment when God makes His presence and power unmistakably known, often to bring about His purposes – which can include both judgment and salvation.
Foreshadowing and Fulfillment
Scholars connect these signs to specific historical events, particularly the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Peter, quoting Joel, presents these portents as something that would accompany the 'last days' – the Messianic era. While Pentecost itself was a sign of God's presence and power, the full intensity of these 'wonders and signs' would unfold over time, culminating in future events. These earthly and heavenly disturbances serve as potent reminders of God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan unfolding.
Understand the original words
terata · Greek Noun
Supernatural events or phenomena intended to point toward divine action, provoke awe, and confirm the message of God.
sēmeia · Greek Noun
Visible proofs or markers that authenticate a message or messenger as being from God.
Peter's powerful words at Pentecost echo Joel's prophecy, linking the outpouring of the Spirit to the 'last days.' While the immediate context is Pentecost, the imagery of 'blood, fire, and vapor of smoke' also powerfully foreshadows the intense suffering and destruction that would soon fall upon Jerusalem and its Temple.
c. 8th Century BC
Joel's Prophecy
The prophet Joel issues a vivid prophecy describing divine judgment, including signs in the heavens and on earth, blood, fire, and smoke.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
Jerusalem and its temple are destroyed by the Babylonians, a cataclysmic event that fulfilled many prophecies of judgment and served as a precedent for later destruction.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God and speaks of signs that would precede future judgments and the end of the age.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central events of Christian faith, marking a pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan and ushering in the 'last days'.
c. AD 33— this verse
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the Gospel. Peter quotes Joel's prophecy, applying it to this new era of the Spirit, seeing the outpouring of the Spirit as a sign of the 'last days'.
c. AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War and Siege of Jerusalem
A period of intense conflict marked by widespread violence, fire, and destruction in Judea, fulfilling the imagery of 'blood, fire, and vapor of smoke' as a sign of divine judgment preceding Jerusalem's final destruction.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman army under Titus destroys Jerusalem and its Second Temple. This event is seen by many scholars as the primary fulfillment of the 'woes' described by Jesus and the prophets.
This is the original Old Testament passage Peter is quoting. It describes similar celestial and terrestrial disturbances, highlighting God's judgment and the coming 'great and dreadful day of the Lord'.
Matthew 24:29-30Jesus uses almost identical imagery of signs in the heavens and earth, specifically in the context of the destruction of Jerusalem and His glorious return, showing how these portents signify major divine interventions.
Hebrews 12:26-27This passage speaks of God shaking the heavens and the earth, emphasizing His sovereignty and the transformative nature of His judgments, which resonates with the dramatic signs described in Acts.
Revelation 6:12This verse describes a great earthquake and the sun turning black and the moon turning blood-red, echoing the violent, awe-inspiring signs mentioned in Acts and Joel that signal divine judgment.
cambridgeActs 2:19: "And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:"
19 . and I will shew wonders , &c.] By the figurative language of this verse the prophet teaches that even when the kingdom of Christ shall have come into the world, mighty troubles shall still prevail. Cp. Christ’s own words of like import ( Matthew 24:21-30 ).
clarkeActs 2:19: "And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:"
I will show wonders - It is likely that both the prophet and the apostle refer to the calamities that fell upon the Jews at the destruction of Jerusalem, and the fearful signs and portents that preceded those calamities. See the notes on Matthew 24:5-7 (note), where these are distinctly related. Blood, fire, and vapour of smoke - Skirmishes and assassinations over the land…
This passage isn't just about future apocalyptic events; it highlights how God uses even terrifying phenomena like blood, fire, and smoke as "signs." These aren't random occurrences but purposeful displays intended to reveal His power and draw attention to His judgment and coming kingdom.
Peter is explaining Joel’s prophecy about the "last days," which he believes has begun with the coming of the Holy Spirit. He uses vivid imagery of chaotic signs in the heavens and earth to describe the judgment that will accompany God's powerful acts. This dramatic description prepares the audience for the call to repentance that immediately follows.
Peter is explaining Joel’s prophecy about the "last days," which he believes has begun with the coming of the Holy Spirit. He uses vivid imagery of chaotic signs in the heavens and earth to describe the judgment that will accompany God's powerful acts. This dramatic description prepares the audience for the call to repentance that immediately follows.
"And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;" — This passage isn't just about future apocalyptic events; it highlights how God uses even terrifying phenomena like blood, fire, and smoke as "signs." These aren't random occurrences but purposeful di…
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Last reviewed October 2026