What prophetic promise is made in Joel 2:28 regarding the Spirit?

The prophetic promise made in Joel 2:28 is that "It will be poured out on all people." This means that the outpouring of the Spirit will not be limited to specific individuals or groups, such as leaders or the spiritually elite, but will be accessible to everyone, regardless of their status or background. This inclusivity signifies a transformative shift in how God's Spirit interacts with humanity, indicating that all people—sons, daughters, old, young—will have the opportunity to receive and experience the Spirit's empowerment.

This promise also connects to the wider theme of God's desire for relationship and communication with all individuals, reflecting the democratization of spiritual gifts and experiences in the life of the community of faith. The fulfillment of this promise is highlighted in the New Testament during Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the early believers, reiterating Joel's vision of a Spirit-filled community.

The other responses do not capture the essence of Joel's message of inclusivity and universal access to the Spirit. The promise highlights the breadth and scope of God's Spirit being made available to all people, a radical and transformative concept at the time.