I recently heard a sermon which directly addressed the prickly issue of Peter citing Joel's prophesy as fulfilled at Pentecost. It inspired a few plain sense syllogisms. As the old saying goes, "if the plain sense makes common sense, seek no other sense." But if it doesn't . . .
#1
Premise:
Prophecy should always be interpreted literally.
Statement:
Peter said that Joel's prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost.
Conclusion: (pick one option)
A Peter was wrong.
B It was fulfilled (except for those things about the sun, moon and stars because they're still there).
C It was fulfilled. (better re-examine the premise)
#2
Premise:
We are living in the last days.
Statement:
Peter said Pentecost happened in the last days.
Conclusion: (pick one option)
A Peter was wrong.
B The last days are lasting more than 2000 years now, and counting.
C Peter was speaking of different last days, specifically pertaining to the nation of Israel. (re-examine premise)
#3
Premise:
A literal fulfillment of all of Joel's prophecy is obviously yet future.
Statement:
Peter said that after those events it would come to pass that whosoever called upon the name of the Lord would be saved.
Conclusion
pick one option)
A. Peter was wrong.
B. He's talking about people being saved in the future tribulation or millenium.
C. Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."(Praise God! and . . . ahem re-examine premise)
#1
Premise:
Prophecy should always be interpreted literally.
Statement:
Peter said that Joel's prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost.
Conclusion: (pick one option)
A Peter was wrong.
B It was fulfilled (except for those things about the sun, moon and stars because they're still there).
C It was fulfilled. (better re-examine the premise)
#2
Premise:
We are living in the last days.
Statement:
Peter said Pentecost happened in the last days.
Conclusion: (pick one option)
A Peter was wrong.
B The last days are lasting more than 2000 years now, and counting.
C Peter was speaking of different last days, specifically pertaining to the nation of Israel. (re-examine premise)
#3
Premise:
A literal fulfillment of all of Joel's prophecy is obviously yet future.
Statement:
Peter said that after those events it would come to pass that whosoever called upon the name of the Lord would be saved.
Conclusion
A. Peter was wrong.
B. He's talking about people being saved in the future tribulation or millenium.
C. Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."(Praise God! and . . . ahem re-examine premise)