Definition: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 2:18. It's a really important and significant part of the story of the early church! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying that God is going to give the Holy Spirit (His power and guidance) to the believers in the church. Let’s unpack it a little further: “On my servants and on my handmaidens…” – This refers to the early followers of Jesus Christ. It means everyone who's part of the community of faith – those who believe in Jesus and follow Him. It’s not just the leaders, but every single person . “…I will pour out in those days of my Spirit…” – This is a bit poetic. “Days of my Spirit” means a period of time – likely many years into the future. It suggests God is giving this gift over a long time. "...and they shall prophesy." - This is the core of the verse. Prophecy is essentially speaking about the future, predicting things that will happen. In this context, it means the believers in the church would start using their gifts to speak out and share God’s word – to tell people what to believe, what's happening in the world, and to encourage others. So, putting it all together: God is preparing to give the Holy Spirit to the church. He’s promising that the believers will have a special ability to speak truth and communicate with God through prophecy. Why is this important? This verse sets the stage for the spread of the Christian faith. It shows that God doesn't just give us gifts once; He gives them to us through us, allowing us to share His message and make a difference in the world. It’s a promise of continued growth and influence from the Holy Spirit! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss the significance of prophecy in the Bible?