Acts 2:19
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)
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The "wonders" and "signs" mentioned here aren't just abstract cosmic events, but vivid imagery for extreme upheaval and destruction. Peter is pointing to terrifying portents, like blood, fire, and smoke, which symbolize intense conflict and the fall of cities, emphasizing that God’s intervention, even in judgment, is dramatic and unmistakable.
Peter is quoting from the prophet Joel, continuing his sermon about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. He's explaining that this event signals the beginning of the "last days" and is a sign of God's coming judgment, which will bring both wonders and terrors to the earth. The vivid imagery of blood, fire, and smoke foreshadows the significant upheavals and calamities that will precede the ultimate "great and notable day of the Lord."
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.
The 'wonders' and 'signs' Peter describes, though partially fulfilled at Pentecost, also powerfully evoke the cataclysmic events surrounding Jerusalem's destruction, highlighting both judgment and the coming of God's kingdom.
c. 8th century BC
Joel's Prophecy
The prophet Joel records a vision of future judgment and the outpouring of God's Spirit, using vivid imagery of celestial and terrestrial disturbances.
c. 587 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile many of the people. This event serves as a backdrop for understanding prophecies of judgment.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The central events of Christian faith, understood by early believers as inaugurating the 'last days' of God's redemptive plan.
c. AD 33— this verse
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit is poured out on Jesus' followers, fulfilling part of Joel's prophecy and marking the dramatic beginning of the Church's mission.
This passage is the direct source Peter is quoting from, describing similar signs in the heavens and on earth that precede the 'great and dreadful day of the Lord'.
Matthew 24:29-30Jesus uses very similar imagery of celestial disturbances and apocalyptic signs to describe events preceding his return and the end of the age.
Luke 21:25-26This parallel account from Jesus also describes signs in the sun, moon, and stars, along with distress on earth, as precursors to significant judgment.
Hebrews 12:26This verse echoes the Old Testament prophetic language of shaking heavens and earth, emphasizing God's sovereign power and impending 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…
The "wonders" and "signs" mentioned here aren't just abstract cosmic events, but vivid imagery for extreme upheaval and destruction. Peter is pointing to terrifying portents, like blood, fire, and smoke, which symbolize intense conflict and the fall of cities, emphasizing that God’s intervention, even in judgment, is dramatic and unmistakable.
Peter is quoting from the prophet Joel, continuing his sermon about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. He's explaining that this event signals the beginning of the "last days" and is a sign of God's coming judgment, which will bring both wonders and terrors to the earth. The vivid imagery of blood, fire, and smoke foreshadows the significant upheavals and calamities that will precede the ultimate "great and notable day of the Lord."
Peter is quoting from the prophet Joel, continuing his sermon about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. He's explaining that this event signals the beginning of the "last days" and is a sign of God's coming judgment, which will bring both wonders and terrors to the earth. The vivid imagery of blood, fire, and smoke foreshadows the significant upheavals and calamities that will precede the ultimate "great and notable day of the Lord."
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c. AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War
Widespread unrest and conflict erupt in Judea, leading to the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecies.
"And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;" — The "wonders" and "signs" mentioned here aren't just abstract cosmic events, but vivid imagery for extreme upheaval and destruction. Peter is pointing to terrifying portents, like blood, fire, and sm…
