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1 Lesson 9

1 Lesson 9. 2 Topic Outline Recap Last Week’s Lesson Further Explanation (rising from Q/A session) Return [9] - King Application to Us Quiz

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1

Lesson 9

2

Topic Outline

Recap Last Week’s Lesson Further Explanation (rising from Q/A session)

Return [9] - King Application to Us Quiz Question / Answer Session

3Recap – Return as Judge

coming back to Mt Olivet

judge living & dead

faithful rewarded

righteous judgment

visible return w/angels

Dra

win

g by

Ric

hard

Hoo

k

made judge by God

‘all’ to judgment seat

wicked punished

4

Further Explanations to last week’s Q/A• Explain John 1:1, 14 “in the beginning was the Word…”

• Explain John 17:5, “the glory I had with you before the world was made”

• Explain Proverbs 8:22 “The LORD created me at the beginning of his work…”

• “Knowledge of Christ” and “knowing God” are essential in the life of a disciple, and are the essence of eternal life.

• How do you understand the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, and how does it apply to today?

5

Appeared6

PropheciesRelationships

Jesus

To Return9

Ascended8

Spiritual body5

Resurrected1

Born of Woman4

Alive body3

Dead body2

Empowered7

New Earth

10

A Jesus-centered Viewpoint

6

Appeared6

PropheciesRelationships

Jesus

To Return9

Ascended8

Spiritual body5

Resurrected1

Born of Woman4

Alive body3

Dead body2

Empowered7

New Earth

10To Return (as King)

A Jesus-centered Viewpoint

7

X

XStart

Mortals who surviveof all the nations that have come against Jerusalem (Zech 14:16)

+ children of believerswho need to be taught+ general populationaround the world who were not part of thebattles (Zech 8:4-5, Is 65:20)

There are mortals in the Kingdom who need to be taught/ruled Jesus

returnsas Judge

Jesus rules

as King

8

9. To Return (as King)

• over all the world (Rev 11:15-17, Zech 14:8-9)• in Jerusalem (Ps 2:2-6, Zech 14:16)• on David’s throne (Luke 1:31-33, Is 2:1-3)• shares throne (Matt 19:27-28, Rev 2:26-27,3:21)• rules with rod of iron (Rev 19:15)• brings peace & rightness (Is 9:6-7, 11:3-5)• is King of Kings (Rev 19:15, 17:14)• Kingdom to last forever (Dan 2:44-45,7:15-18)

King -1

9

Revelation 11:15-17King -2

Points:1. Explicit statement that human kingdoms on earth are now to

become part of God’s Kingdom, as ruled by Christ. This is what believers have been praying for centuries: “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10)

2. The “Lord God Almighty” (= the LORD, cf. “who art and who wast” cf. Rev 1:8) now leaves “who is to come” up to Jesus.

15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever." 16 And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying, "We give thanks to thee, Lord God Almighty, who art and who wast, that thou hast taken thy great power and begun to reign.

Application:Jesus will rule until everything is under control, & then he himself will be subjected to God “that God may be all in all” (1Cor 15:28 - KJV)

10

Zechariah 14:8-9,16King -3

Points:1. Lesson 8 confirmed that the prophecy is about the coming king

Jesus (representing the LORD) to Jerusalem2. “over all the earth” indicates the scope of the Kingdom = starts

with the land of Israel and will eventually encompass the globe 3. Jerusalem is the place to go to worship the King = Jesus is there!

8 On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea; it shall continue in summer as in winter. 9 And the LORD will become king over all the earth; on that day the LORD will be one and his name one... 16 Then every one that survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of booths.

Application:The fact that there are survivors of the nations coming to worship indicates that a mortal population remains = the obvious target for conversion to Christ = preaching & teaching the gospel by disciples will continue in the Kingdom age.

11

Psalm 2:2-6King -4

Points:1. “kings of the earth” = mortal rulers seeking to avoid submission to God’s man = like Joshua & David in the OT (cf. Josh 1, 2Sam 8) = shows Christ will have challenges to his mission and authority

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed, saying, 3 "Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us." 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the LORD has them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 "I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill."

Application:Surely it is folly to try to resist, much less break free, from an immortal, all- powerful king, who is truly seeking your eternal welfare. But men did it in the 1st century and do so right up to today; human nature doesn’t change readily.

2. “Zion” = another mountain associated with Jerusalem, and is often used as a substitute term for “the city of David” (e.g., 2Sam 5:7, 1Kings 8:1, 1Chron 11:5, 2Chron 5:2)

12

Luke 1:31-33King -5

Points:1. This last part of the angel’s message to Mary is often disregarded

and misunderstood; however, the words and teaching are clear: “he [Jesus] will reign over the house of Jacob [people of Israel] for ever; and of his kingdom [comparable David’s literal regime on earth] there will be no end [until God determines otherwise]

2. “the throne…of…David” = was in Jerusalem; his kingdom territory included what is today, Israel + parts of Lebanon, Syria & Jordan

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end."

Application:While the “Kingdom of God” is spoken of in metaphorical terms (e.g., Rom 14:17, 1Cor 4:20, Luke 10:9,17:21), it literally existed in the past, & will be a future reality (1Chron 28:5,

22:10,17:14)

13

Isaiah 2:1-3King -6

Points:1. “mountain of the LORD” = Mt. Zion, synonym for Jerusalem; the

elevation is both symbolic & literal (cf. topography, Zech 14:10)2. “the latter days” = a phrase used by the prophets to identify the

period just before & after the coming of Messiah (Num 24:14, Deut 4:30, Jer 23:20, Ezek 38:16, Dan 2:28, 10:14, Hos 3:3, Mic 4:1)

1 The word which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, 3 and many peoples shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Application:Jerusalem will be Jesus’ capital city, established primarily as a center to proclaim and promote God’s word (cf. Zech 8:20-23)

14

Matthew 19:27-28King -7

Points:1. “in the new world” = the Kingdom age2. “glorious throne” = Jesus using literal and symbolical

language; he uses it again in Matt 25:31, about a real happening

3. “twelve thrones” = also both literal and symbolic, about a real happening to come

4. “twelve tribes” = whole nation [as a faithful remnant] of Israel still significant in the Kingdom age (cf.Ezek 37:15-22), Application:

This rulership would not be like that of Gentiles, but characterized by servant leadership = what believers should do now (Matt 20:25-28)

27 Then Peter said in reply, "Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?" 28 Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

15

Revelation 2:26-27,3:21King -8

Points:1. The parallel of the two passage is instructive: both show Jesus

plans to share his rulership with “he who conquers” and both state the same basis: “as I myself … from my Father” = what was done for Jesus will be done in turn for his disciples = tells us about the relationship Jesus enjoys with God: not equality but privilege.

2. For disciples, the privilege depends on keeping “my works until the end” = the reward, though a gift, does have a criteria to it

26 He who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, I will give him power over the nations, 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received power from my Father; ….21 He who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Application:'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' (Matt 25:23)

16

Revelation 19:11-15King -9

Points:1. Context: Marriage supper of the

Lamb has just occurred & the Bride “clothed in fine linen” (v. 6-9).

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war… 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, followed him on white horses. 15 From his mouth issues a sharp sword with which to smite the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty."

2. “a rod of iron” = strength and firmness, but in conjunction with “righteousness” (12:5, Ps 2:9)

3. “sharp sword” = word of God (1:16, 2:12, Eph 6:17, Heb 4:12)

4. “armies of heaven” = immortal saints, the Bride (v.8, Ps 149:5-9)

Application:Let the faithful exult in glory…let the high praises of God be in their throats, and two-edged swords in their hands, to wreak vengeance on the nations…Ps 149)

17

Isaiah 9:6-7King -10

Points:1. Context: v.1-2 is quoted in Matt 4:15-16 in reference to Jesus,

while v. 7 is the basis of the Luke 1:32-33 statement = this passage is about Jesus, and points to the time of his Kingdom reign.

2. “with justice and with righteousness…increase of …peace” = defining characteristics of Christ’s rulership cf. Is 32:1,16,18

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Application:“And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust for ever” (Is 31:17); believers get the same results now when they put their trust in Christ (John 14:27, 16:33)

18

Isaiah 11:3-5King -11

Points:

3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins.

Application:Do not judge by appearance, but judge with right judgment (John 7:24) = a principle Jesus followed and taught = applies to disciples.

1. Context: v.1 is quoted in Rom 15:12 in reference to Jesus, while v. 2 is the basis of the John 1:32 statement = this passage is about Jesus, and points to the time of his Kingdom (v. 6-9)

2. “with righteousness …decide with equity” = reinforcement of the defining characteristics of Christ’s rule; along with v.5’s righteousness, sandwiches “smite…with the rod of his mouth”.

19

Revelation 19:15-16, 17:14King -12

Points:1. Context: Jesus is depicted as a mighty warrior

on a white horse leading his armies into battle, in the execution of God’s wrath.

15 From his mouth issues a sharp sword with which to smite the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name inscribed, King of kings and Lord of lords"

2. “king of kings” = a title indicating the subjugation of many kings, who come out to make war against Jesus (v.19, 17:14). This scenario is like that faced by Joshua (e.g. Josh 9:1-2, 10:22-42, 11:1-20) who destroyed all the kings who came to attack him,

Application:They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful (Rev 17:14)

per God’s plan

20

Dan 2:44-45

Points:1. Context: this is the conclusion of the Daniel’s interpretation of the

dream Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, around 600 B.C.2. The prophecy declares the certainty of God’s kingdom on earth

as replacement of all human governments.

44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand for ever; 45 just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure."

King -13

Application:The interpretation of the dream contains a number of specific details which, when linked with other prophecies on the same subject, provides an intriguing and exciting picture of the Kingdom to come.

21

Daniel 7:15-18,27King -14

Points:

15 "As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious and the visions of my head alarmed me. 16 I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made known to me the interpretation of the things. 17 'These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth. 18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, for ever and ever.' …27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.'

Application:When the details of chapters 7 & 8 are lined up with the framework of chapter 2, a fairly comprehensive prophetic picture can be developed

1. This was Daniel’s dream, with an angel giving the interpretation. 2. “possess the kingdom for ever” = “an everlasting kingdom”;3. “under the whole heaven” = the meek (saints) inherit the earth!

22Summary – Return as King

over all the world

brings peace

Kingdom to last forever

rules with iron rod

in Jerusalem

Dra

win

g by

Ric

hard

Hoo

k

on David’s throne

Jesus shares throne

King -15

King of kings

23

So What?The Kingdom of heaven = the Kingdom of God

(see usage in Matt 19:23-24; not talking about location)

King -15

This makes complete sense for the believer to want Jesus to return to earth, since that is the time he will raise from the dead & reward those who have faithfully served him, and that is the place where Christ will be in his Kingdom.

Jesus taught his disciples to pray like this:

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

But where does it put the teaching that “you go to heaven when you die, to live forever there in God’s kingdom”?

24

Quiz1. The center of worship in the Kingdom of God is the city of

__________, where the survivors of the nations must go up year after _____ to worship the King, the LORD of hosts

2. As the newly enthroned king established by God in Mt _____, Jesus will face resistance from human governments. However, they are warned to be wise, and serve the Christ, “lest he be ______, and you perish in the way” (Ps 2:11)

3. Jesus will rule with a “ ____ of iron”, but it will be the rulership of a servant king, intent on bringing his subjects to salvation; two defining characteristics of Christ’s rule are _________ and _____.

4. Jesus will share his throne with the ________ who will sit on 12 thrones ruling over the _______ of Israel. He will also give those have been found faithful in his service the job of ruling over ____ (Luke 19:17-19, cf. 2Cor 6:2)

25

Homework Reading

10. New Earth• new heavens & earth in which righteousness

dwells (2Pet 3:11-13, Is 65:17-19, Rev 21:1-5)• fulfillment of “thy will be done on earth” (Matt

6:10, Is 11:9,62:11-12, Rev 1:5-7,5:9-10,21:22-27)• renewed earth in every way (Is 2:2-4,65:20-25,

Zech 8:3-8, Ezek 37:24-28, Rev 22:1-5) • Christ’s reign ends with Death destroyed and

the Kingdom delivered to God (1Cor 15:24-28)

26

Questions &

Answers

27

…to be continued

28

Seeking God in Jerusalem (Zech 8:20-23)

Supplemental Reference Material #1

20 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities; 21 the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I am going.' 22 Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of the LORD. 23 Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"

Points:1. Context = latter days; 3 Thus says the LORD: I will return to Zion, and will

dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain…7 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country; 8 and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be my people and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.“

2. Jesus will be in Jerusalem, the city of peace at last! (Ps 122)

29

Servant Leadership (Matthew 20:25-28)

Supplemental Reference Material #2

25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; 28 even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Points:1. Context = the mother of James and John came up and asked this

favor of Jesus: “Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom."

2. Jesus’ reply was a foundational teaching: significance is given to service to others, not to elevation of positional power. And in the case of Jesus, this genuine concern for the ultimate well-being of others (love) was demonstrated by his willingness and actual doing of laying down his life as the price of redemption. That is the principle and example for the true followers of Christ.

30

Kingdom: in the past + a future reality

Supplemental Reference Material #3

5 And of all my sons (for the LORD has given me many sons) he has chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. (1Chron 28:5) = God’s Kingdom existed in the past

7 Now therefore thus shall you say to my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, …9 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and violent men shall waste them no more... Moreover I declare to you that the LORD will build you a house. 11 When your days are fulfilled to go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne for ever. 13 I will be his father, and he shall be my son; I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, 14 but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom for ever and his throne shall be established for ever.'" 15 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David. (1Chron 17:7-15) = initially fulfilled by Solomon (1Chron 22:10, 28:6-7), to be fulfilled in the future by Jesus (1Sam 7:19)

31

Destroy attacking kings, per God’s plan - Joshua

Supplemental Reference Material #4

1 When all the kings who were beyond the Jordan in the hill country and in the lowland all along the coast of the Great Sea toward Lebanon …, 2 they gathered together with one accord to fight Joshua and Israel.[10]

40 So Joshua defeated the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings; he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded… 42 And Joshua took all these kings and their land at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel [10]

4 And they came out, with all their troops, a great host, in number like the sand that is upon the seashore, with very many horses and chariots. 5 And all these kings joined their forces, and came and encamped together at the waters of Merom, to fight with Israel. [11]

20 For it was the LORD's doing to harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle, in order that they should be utterly destroyed, and should receive no mercy but be exterminated, as the LORD commanded Moses. [11]

32

John 1:1-4,14Supplemental Reference Material #5

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God; 3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men… 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. .

Points:1. See separate handout sheets “The Prologue to John 1:1-18”&

“NGF Comments on John 1”2. Main points: while the Genesis creation is plainly being alluded

to, this “beginning” refers to the start of Jesus’ ministry, as in the other gospels [Mk 1:1, Lk 1:2] + confirmed by John’s own usage of the phrase [6:44,8:25,15:27] and in his first letter, [1:1-2] = this begins the “new creation” in Christ; “the word became flesh” (Gk) is making a point about the nature of Jesus, who can be regarded as the purpose/plan/message/character/way of God being fully and uniquely revealed in this special man.

33

John 17:4-5, 22-24

Supplemental Reference Material #6

4 I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do; 5 and now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made… 22 The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world.Points:

1. The glory in v. 5 is connected with the glory in v.22, which Jesus states is what he “has given” to the apostles, something that made them “one” the same way Jesus and God were “one” = clearly not talking about pre-existence or godhead alignment.

2. “before the world was made” (v.6 & v. 24) does point back to a time before the Creation and could refer to Jesus being in God’s plan of redemption right from the very beginning (cf.2Tim 1:9-10)

34

Proverbs 8:22-26 Supplemental Reference Material #7

22 The LORD created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. 23 Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world.Points:

1. This passage is referring to “wisdom” (v.1-21) , which is being personified – most likely in contrast to the adulterous woman in chapter 7. The advice of ‘wisdom’ begins in 7:24.

2. The poetry paints a picture of how God used wisdom “as a master workman” in His creation design and subsequent self-maintenance processes . This of course contrasts with the idea of random chance.

3. v.22 explicitly states that the “me” was created, and thus was not eternal.

35

The essence of “eternal life” Supplemental Reference Material #8

And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent (John 17:3).

Points:

1. This “know” refers to an intimate relationship (cf. Gen 4:1), not intellectual knowledge. While understanding facts about God and Jesus is important, it is essential to first get “into Christ” to allow the development of the “fellowship of the Father and his Son Jesus Christ” (1John 1:3), and to obey their commandments in order to be “blessed in the doing” and enjoy their “indwelling”

2. There is a clear distinction of God and Jesus, both of whom are the object of this intimate relationship, with Jesus being regarded as the servant (the lesser) being sent by the master (the greater).

3. There is no mention of the Holy Spirit here, which makes sense if it’s a power (force), but a big omission if the 3rd person of a Trinity

36

Acts 2 outpouring of Holy Spirit – application today?

Supplemental Reference Material #9

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Points:1. Jesus promised the pouring would happen (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8);

it was “power from on high” = ability to speak in foreign dialects; clearly, the Holy Spirit IS the power given [not a being giving the power ]

2. This same capability was given to the gentile Cornelius (Acts 10:45, 11:15-16), and was stated by Peter that this was fulfillment of Jesus’ words in Acts 1:5 “you shall be baptized in holy spirit” [Greek – no “the”, “with”, or caps]; this special privilege was given as a sign to unbelievers – Peter & 6 other brethren! (1Cor 14:22)

3. The Acts 2 miracle served to get attention + authenticate the message; Peter stated it fulfilled Joel’s prophecy, which also has a “last days” application = could recur in own days, as a means to proclaim the gospel to unbelievers [not to indicate a believer’s special gift]