That is, revelations received in sleep, as contrasted with “visions,” which refer to visual revelations in general.

The inference is that what was future to Joel is now present. The hearers are having prophecy fulfilled before their very eyes.

 See on Joel 2:28; cf. on Isa. 2:2.

This does not appear in the text in Joel. It is an insertion by Peter for permissible sermonic purposes, and identifies the Giver of the promise that follows.

 See on ch. 3:19.

That is, upon all men, enduing weak humanity with divine ability. The gift is not concentrated upon the Jews or upon any class or sex, although Peter’s mind would doubtless limit it to his own people at this stage.

 Peter’s application of Joel’s prophecy to the present experience at Pentecost seems to link the gift of prophecy with the gift of tongues (see on Joel 2:28). The prophecy also states that women as well as men are to have the gift. Luke records fulfillments of this promise in Acts 9:10-16; 11:27, 28; 13:1-3; 16:6, 7; 18:9, 10; 21:9-11; 22:17, 18; 27:10, 22-25. See also on Luke 2:36. The gifts of the Spirit have always revealed themselves in the activities of God’s successful servants, particularly in crucial times.

It has been shown again and again that men still in their younger years have both the ideals and the energy to see ahead and attempt the seemingly impossible. It seems that most, perhaps all, of Jesus’ disciples were young. Most religious movements, and many political and civic enterprises, have been set afoot by young men.

 For a discussion of “visions” and “dreams” see on Num. 12:6; 1 Sam. 3:1. The young men are to see Spirit-given visions containing stimulation and instruction for the present and the future.

In Joel, these are mentioned before the “young men.”