Acts 2:19
And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Acts 2:19
Peter mentions “wonder in heaven above, and signs on the earth beneath: blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke.” This is a hybrid of apocalyptic imagery and a reference to cosmic signs that accompany divine activity. The language evokes Joel’s era but is reframed in the Pentecost context as markers of God’s intervention in history. The imagery emphasizes that the outpouring of the Spirit will be accompanied by extraordinary signs that reveal God’s presence and power.
The passage underscores the credibility of God’s actions in history and the universality of prophetic demonstration. It anchors eschatological expectations in the Spirit’s work rather than world-dominating signs alone. It signals that God’s intervention will be visible and verifiable, inviting trust and awe, while keeping focus on Jesus as the center of salvation.
Believers today should remain attentive to God’s active presence in the world—signs can be moral and spiritual as much as miraculous. Practical steps: cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize genuine divine work amidst noise; maintain humility and gratitude when you witness extraordinary events; pursue a life of holiness and love that confirms the truth of the gospel. In personal life, a notable change in behavior—repentance, generosity, or courageous faith—can be a sign of the Spirit at work.
Cross-References: Joel 2:30-31; Luke 21:11; Malachi 3:1-4; Acts 2:22-23; Psalm 19:1