Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 2:17

17 And it shall [illegible: 1 letter]ome 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 p[illegible: 1 letter]ophesie, and your young men shall see visions , and your old men shall dream dreams .

In the time of the Messiah, called the last days frequently, 2 Tim. 3.1. Hebr. 1.2▪ 2 Pet. 3.3. as also called the last time, 1 Pet. 1.5. 1 Iohn 2.18. Iude 18. because we are now under the last, and perfectest dispensation of the things of God; and no other is to be looked for until the consummation of all things.

Before the Spirit was given in lesser measures, and comparatively but by drops; here a little, and there a little; now more largely, even to overflow.

All sorts of men, as well Gentiles as Iews, contrary unto their proud conceit, that God dwelt in none out of the land of Israel.

Fulfilled in Anna the Prophetess, Luke 2.36. and in the four daughters of Philip, Chap. 21.9.

These were formerly, either representations more inward to their mind, as Esay's and Ieremiah's were: or more outward to their bodily eye, as Daniels was, Chap 5.5. and such as Peter had, Chap. 10.11.

By dreams God sometimes manifested his will, as to Ioseph; but this is by St. Peter accommodated to the Gospel times. The Prophets spake suitably to them, unto whom they preached; and the Apostle rightly understands by these expressions, the manifold and more clear Revelation of the will of God in Christ.

Marginal references: Isa. 44 3. Ezek. 11.19. Joel 2 28. Zech. 12 10. John 7.38.; Chap. 10.45.