New International Reader's Version

Acts 2:18-32 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

18. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on those who serve me, both men and women. When I do, they will prophesy.

19. I will show wonders in the heavens above. I will show miraculous signs on the earth below. There will be blood and fire and clouds of smoke.

20. The sun will become dark. The moon will turn red like blood. This will happen before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

21. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' (Joel 2:28-32)

22. "Men of Israel, listen to this! Jesus of Nazareth was a man who had God's approval. God did miracles, wonders and signs among you through Jesus. You yourselves know this.

23. Long ago God planned that Jesus would be handed over to you. With the help of evil people, you put Jesus to death. You nailed him to the cross.

24. But God raised him from the dead. He set him free from the suffering of death. It wasn't possible for death to keep its hold on Jesus.

25. David spoke about him. He said, " 'I know that the Lord is always with me. He is at my right hand. I will always be secure.

26. So my heart is glad. Joy is on my tongue. My body also will be full of hope.

27. You will not leave me in the grave. You will not let your Holy One rot away.

28. You always show me the path that leads to life. You will fill me with joy when I am with you.' (Psalm 16:8-11)

29. "Brothers, you can be sure that King David died. He was buried. His tomb is still here today.

30. But David was a prophet. He knew that God had made a promise to him. He had taken an oath that someone in David's family line would be king after him.

31. David saw what was ahead. So he spoke about the Christ rising from the dead. He said that the Christ would not be left in the grave. His body wouldn't rot in the ground.

32. God has raised this same Jesus back to life. We are all witnesses of this.