Acts 2:20
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
Acts 2:20 (KJV)
Context
Acts 2 records the events of the day of Pentecost, shortly after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, and they began to speak in different languages, which amazed the people gathered in Jerusalem. Peter then addressed the crowd, explaining the significance of what was happening and preaching about Jesus as the Messiah.
In Acts 2:20, Peter quotes from the prophet Joel, emphasizing the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. The verse speaks of cosmic signs—darkened sun and a blood-red moon—before the great and notable day of the Lord comes. Peter links the outpouring of the Spirit to the prophetic description of the last days, indicating that the last days have begun with the coming of the Spirit. The passage does not explicitly connect it to the imminent return of Jesus.
Meaning
The imagery used in Acts 2:20 should be understood symbolically. It is not describing literal cosmic events but using poetic language to convey the magnitude and significance of the coming day of the Lord. These symbols represent the shaking and upheaval that will precede the final judgment and the establishment of God’s kingdom.
The darkening of the sun and the blood-red moon are apocalyptic images symbolizing divine intervention and judgment. Some commentators connect the sun’s darkness to the crucifixion, when darkness covered the land (Matthew 27:45), and the moon turning to blood to similar imagery in Revelation 6:12. The phrase “great and notable day” highlights both the awe-inspiring and well-known character of that day.
The reference to the “great and notable day of the Lord” in Acts 2:20 points to the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and the final judgment. It signifies the return of Jesus Christ in glory and power, when all will be held accountable for their actions and the righteous will be vindicated. In the Old Testament, the day of the Lord is a time of divine judgment and salvation; here, it points to God’s decisive action in history through Christ.
Application
Acts 2:20 reminds believers today to be vigilant and spiritually prepared for the return of Jesus. While the exact timing and sequence of events leading to the day of the Lord remain unknown, we are called to live faithfully and expectantly, seeking to honor God and share the Gospel with others. This verse encourages believers to keep their focus on eternity and to be motivated by the reality of the coming judgment.
The verse emphasizes the certainty and solemnity of God’s coming judgment, while also serving as a call to repentance and readiness. For the believer, it underscores the urgency of responding to the gospel and living in light of Christ’s return. The Holy Spirit’s outpouring is a sign of the last days, calling all to call upon the name of the Lord (Acts 2:21).
Reflection
Acts 2:20 highlights the significance of the day of the Lord and the signs that will precede it. It draws attention to the fulfillment of prophetic scriptures and serves as a call to spiritual preparedness for believers. This verse reminds us of the ultimate hope we have in Christ’s return and challenges us to live in light of eternity.
