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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
derful fulfillment of prophecy, and teaching the doctrine of Jesus in all
the languages then spoken. They spoke with power of the wonderful
works of the Saviour, and unfolded to their hearers the plan of salvation
in the mercy and sacrifice of the Son of God. Their words convicted
and converted thousands who listened. The traditions and superstitions
inculcated by the priests were swept away from their minds, and they
accepted the pure teachings of the Word of God.
The priests and rulers, determined to account for the miraculous
power of the disciples in some natural way, declared that they were
simply drunken from partaking largely of the new wine prepared for
the feast. Some of the most ignorant seized this suggestion as the truth;
but the more intelligent knew that it was false; and those speaking the
different languages testified to the accuracy with which they were used
by the disciples. And Peter, in answer to the vile accusation of the
priests, addressed the assembly in these words:—
“Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known
unto you, and hearken to my words; for these are not drunken, as ye
suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which
was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last
days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your
sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see
visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.”
The effect of Peter’s words was very marked; and many who had
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ridiculed the religion of Jesus were now convinced of its truth. It
was certainly unreasonable to suppose that more than one hundred
persons should become intoxicated at that unseasonable hour of the
day, and on the occasion of a solemn religious festival. This wonderful
demonstration was before the customary meal at which wine was taken.
Peter showed them that this manifestation was the direct fulfillment of
the prophecy of Joel, wherein he foretold that such power would come
upon men of God to fit them for a special work.
Peter traced back the lineage of Christ in a direct line to the honor-
able house of David. He did not use any of the teachings of Jesus to
prove his true position, because he knew their prejudices were so great
that it would be of no effect. But he referred them to David, whom the
Jews regarded as a venerable patriarch of their nation. Said Peter:—
“For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always
before my face; for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.