8
Why, then, do we each hear them speaking in our own native language?
9
We are Parthians, Medes and Elamites. We live in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia. We are from Pontus, Asia,
10
Phrygia and Pamphylia. Others of us are from Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene. Still others are visitors from Rome.
11
Some of the visitors are Jews. Others have accepted the Jewish faith. Also, Cretans and Arabs are here. We hear all these people speaking about God's wonders in our own languages!"
12
They were amazed and bewildered. They asked one another, "What does this mean?"
13
But some people in the crowd made fun of the believers. "They've had too much wine!" they said.
Peter Speaks to the Crowd
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven. In a loud voice he spoke to the crowd. "My Jewish friends," he said, "let me explain this to you. All of you who live in Jerusalem, listen carefully to what I say.
15
You think these people are drunk. But they aren't. It's only nine o'clock in the morning!
16
No, here is what the prophet Joel meant.
17
He said, " 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Holy Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will have dreams.
18
In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on those who serve me, both men and women. When I do, they will prophesy.