Acts 2:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 2:20
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
Chapter Context
Acts 2 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, obedience, redemption. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 2:20
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
Analysis
The Day of the Lord - 'great and notable' (Greek 'epiphane', shining forth) - represents both terror for the impenitent and triumph for believers. This day encompasses judgment and salvation simultaneously, as seen in Christ's first advent which brought both condemnation for rejecting Jews and salvation for believing remnant. The sun turning to darkness and moon to blood symbolize the overturning of creation's order under divine judgment.
Historical Context
Prophets consistently portrayed the Day of the Lord as judgment on Israel's enemies and purification of God's people (Isaiah 2:12, Zephaniah 1:14, Malachi 4:5). Peter connects Pentecost to this day's inauguration, suggesting the church age is the period of Spirit-empowered witness before final judgment.
Reflection
- How does the Day of the Lord's dual nature - judgment and salvation - inform your evangelism's urgency?
- What comfort does the Lord's 'notable' day offer believers awaiting vindication?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Joel 2:1, 3:14, Malachi 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10
- Darkness: Amos 8:9, Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24
- Parallel theme: Luke 21:25, 2 Peter 3:7