The First of the Woe - Locusts - A First-Century Plague

 There was a fulfillment of Joel chapter 2  in the first century.  It was then, at Pentecost 33 C.E., that holy spirit was poured out, anointed the first Christians and empowering them to speak "the magnificent things of God" in many tongues.  As a result, a large crowd assembled.  The apostle Peter addressed those astonished  onlookers, quoting Joel 2:28, 29 and explaining that they were witnessing its fulfillment.  (Acts 2:1-21)  But there is no record of a literal insect  plague at that time, causing discomfort to some and leading others to repentance. 

Was there a figurative plague during those days? Yes, indeed! It came  as a result of the relentles preaching of the newly anointed Christians .  Through them, Jehovah invited those Jews who would listen and repent and enjoy blessing from him.  (Acts 2:38-40; 3:19) The individuals who responded received his favor to remarkable degree.  But to the ones who refused the invitation, the first-centuruy Christians  became like devastating swarm of locusts.  Starting in Jerusalem, they spread through all Judea and Samaria.  Soon there were everywhere, tormenting the unblieving Jews by publicly proclaiming Jesus' resurrection, with  with all that  this implied.  (Acts 1:8; 4:18-20; 5:17-21,28, 29, 40-42; 17:5, 6; 21:27-30)  That plaguing continued until the "fear-inspiring day." in  70 C.E., whe Jehovah brought the Roman armies against Jerusalem to destroy it.  Only those Christians who in faith called on the name of Jehovah were saved.  - JOEL 2:32; ACTS 2:20, 21; PROVERBS 18:10. 

Next time: The First Woe - Locusts  - The Locust Plague Today

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