Old Testament · Minor Prophet

Joel

Locusts, lament, and a promised Spirit.

Author: Joel
Audience: Judah
Date: c. 835 BC (debated)
Chapters: 3

Purpose

To call repentance and promise the outpoured Spirit.

Key Themes

Day of the LORD
Spirit
Repentance

Key Verses

“I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.”

Wesleyan–Holiness Reflection

Quoted at Pentecost (Acts 2) — the Spirit poured out is the same Spirit who sanctifies entirely.

Chapter Insight

Jump into any chapter for cross-references and a Wesleyan reflection.

Watch & Learn — Seedbed

Seedbed is the Wesleyan–Holiness teaching ministry of Asbury Theological Seminary.

Cross-References in Joel

Romans 10:13quotation'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
Who
The prophet Joel
To
Judah after a devastating locust plague
Where
Jerusalem, post-disaster
When
Joel's promise of an outpoured Spirit and a remnant of the saved
Why:Paul applies 'the Lord' (Yahweh in Joel) directly to Jesus — a stunning identification of Christ with God.
Context:Peter quotes the same prophecy at Pentecost (Acts 2). Paul extends it: the saving 'name' is universal, available to Jew and Greek alike.
Read Romans 10:13 →
Acts 2:17quotation'I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.'
Who
Joel
To
Judah after a national disaster
Where
Jerusalem, post-locust plague
When
A promise of universal Spirit-outpouring in the last days
Why:Peter explains the tongues of fire at Pentecost as the inauguration of Joel's 'last days.'
Context:This is the founding text of Pentecostal-Holiness theology — and a Wesleyan witness to Spirit baptism for all believers, not a priestly elite.
Read Acts 2:17 →

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