A sign of the end which most recognize is the coming of the Holy Spirit. Joel prophesied the coming of the Spirit in the last days (Joel 2:28-30). His prophecy is mentioned several times in the New Covenant, most notably in Acts 2:16-20. In fact, each time the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the New Testament, the prophecy of Joel is in the background.

The Gift of Tongues and Christ's Return

Citing Joel's prophecy Peter says, "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel" alluding to the exercise of the gift of tongue-speaking. He affirmed that the role of the eschatological Spirit continued until the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, (Acts 2:19, 20 equating this with Christ's second coming Compare Matthew 24:29, 34; 1 Corinthians 1:7, 8. What was key about tongue-speaking in the first century is that it confirmed imminent judgment upon the nation of Israel.

The Prophecy of Tongues and Judgment

Isaiah's prophecy provides the context of judgment citing that men of other lips (of a foreign language, meaning the Assyrians, 8th century B.C.) would speak to the rebellious house of Israel. (Isaiah 28:11, 12)

Paul correcting the first century church of the misuse of tongue speaking cites this prophecy saying that tongue speaking was a sign, not to believers but to unbelieving Israel. In so doing, he alludes to the coming judgment upon the ancient nation in A.D. 70. (1 Corinthians 14:20, 21) Such confirms that the modern state of Israel has no place in prophecy and contrary to popular opinion, absolutely nothing to do with the end-time.