Petuel is known from the Bible exclusively as the father of the prophet Joel. He is mentioned in the opening verse of the book of Joel, where Joel identifies himself as "son of Petuel." Beyond this, there are no further biographical details about him in Scripture.
The word of the Lord came to Joel, son of Petuel, indicating that Joel received his prophetic calling from God. As Joel's father, Petuel may have played a role in shaping the future prophet.
Joel's prophecy about the outpouring of the Spirit
Joel's most famous prophecy concerns the outpouring of God's Spirit on all flesh, a prophecy that was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. As Joel's father, Petuel is indirectly connected to this important prophetic tradition.
1And afterward it will come to pass that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
17"'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.
Peter quotes Joel, son of Petuel, on the day of Pentecost
The apostle Peter quoted the prophet Joel, son of Petuel, in his speech on the day of Pentecost to explain the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
17"'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.