Acts 2:17
“…your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams…”
(Acts 2:17)
Students of the Bible must be careful to distinguish between first century miraculous abilities and 21st century belief in and application of the miraculously confirmed biblical word (see Hebrews 2:3-4). Modern-day charismatics are unquestionably involved in a non-equivalent activity, despite their grandiose claims. The former was obtained only by transference through the “laying on of hands” by one of the original apostles; read the Acts sequence in context: 5:12; 6:5-8; 8:9-19).   That, having been prefaced, leads us to examine one of the ever important and always timely verses of Scripture, Acts 2:17.
Possible interpretations of this section:
A.   The “visions” and “dreams” are actual dream states (see Heb. 1:1).
B.    The v. and d. are meant to be interpreted figuratively as turning points of inner resolution for all men-young, old, male, and female.
C.    The v. and d. are apocalyptic symbols depicting the commencement                of a new and fresh era-the Christian Age.
D.   The v. and d. are a combination of the above possibilities.
Certainly, the age of Christ has dawned; and a turning point of inner resolution is now possible.
-Robert M. Housby