The Outpouring of the Spirit the Property and Security of the Church of God
William Borrows, M. A. Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy… I. THE SUBJECTS OF THIS ESPECIAL MERCY. It is a word from the God of all grace to that people, and touching their increase, who profess to be "the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." Their increase are designated as "all flesh," "your sons and your daughters," "your old men, your young men," "the servants, the handmaids." "All that are afar off." With this limitation, "As many as the Lord our God shaft call." II. THE MERCY ITSELF WHICH IS PROMISED. The Spirit is the Holy Ghost, the third person in the ever-blessed and glorious Trinity. The effusion, or pouring out, which is here promised, is the communication of His precious influences, for spiritual life, health, comfort, strength, love, wisdom unto salvation. The similitude is taken from abundant and fertilising showers. III. THE PRIMARY DISPLAYS OF ITS RECEPTION ARE TO BE NOTICED. "Sons and daughters prophesy," etc. See Acts 13:12. Admonitions against the abuse of these special gifts is found in 1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Corinthians 14:22. IV. THE PERMANENT POWER AND PRESENCE INVOLVED IN THIS PROMISE. The power of the infinite Jehovah is involved in His perpetual presence with His people. The accomplishment of this promise constitutes the character, and demonstrates the existence, of the true Church of the living God, wheresoever it is to be found upon earth: and the permanent power and presence therein involved ensures the existence and increase of that Church. (William Borrows, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: WEB: "It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions.