Acts 2:13

KJV

Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} Others {G2087} mocking {G5512} said {G3004},{G3754} These men are {G1526} full {G3325} of new wine {G1098}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But others made fun of them and said, “They’ve just had too much wine!”

Berean Standard Bible

But others mocked them and said, “They are drunk on new wine!”

American Standard Version

But others mocking said, They are filled with new wine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
On the Day of Pentecost, as the Holy Spirit dramatically empowered the disciples to speak in diverse tongues, a crowd gathered, some amazed and perplexed. However, a cynical minority, unable or unwilling to comprehend the divine manifestation, dismissed the miraculous event by mockingly asserting that the Spirit-filled believers were simply intoxicated with "new wine," a potent, freshly fermented beverage. This accusation represents an early instance of the world's misunderstanding and scorn directed at the supernatural work of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:13 immediately follows the profound outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, as described in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "The Coming of the Holy Spirit"). The sound of a mighty rushing wind and the appearance of tongues of fire led to the disciples being filled with the Spirit and speaking in other languages. This extraordinary event drew a large, diverse crowd of devout Jews from every nation, who were utterly astonished to hear their own native languages being spoken by Galileans ([Acts 2:5-12](/acts/2-5-12 "The Crowd's Reaction to Pentecost")). While many were bewildered and asked, "What does this mean?" ([Acts 2:12](/acts/2-12 "The Crowd's Perplexity")), Acts 2:13 introduces a contrasting reaction of skepticism and ridicule, setting the stage for Peter's powerful apologetic sermon.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place during the Jewish feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), a harvest festival that drew pilgrims from across the Roman world to Jerusalem. This explains the presence of the diverse crowd mentioned in [Acts 2:9-11](/acts/2-9-11 "Nations Represented at Pentecost"). In ancient cultures, public displays of fervent emotion or unusual speech were sometimes attributed to drunkenness, especially if the behavior deviated from societal norms. "New wine" (Greek: _gleûkos_) was particularly potent because it was still fermenting, making it more saccharine and highly inebriating. The accusation was not merely of casual inebriation but of being deeply intoxicated by a strong, fresh vintage, thereby completely discrediting any claim of divine inspiration or spiritual fervor. This cultural lens provides insight into why such a specific accusation was leveled.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:13 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **misunderstanding and skepticism** towards divine revelation. The world often struggles to comprehend or accept supernatural realities, frequently resorting to naturalistic or demeaning explanations for spiritual phenomena, echoing the skepticism seen when Jesus performed miracles (e.g., [Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Accusation of Beelzebul")). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **opposition to God's work** and His people, which becomes a recurring motif throughout Acts. The mockery here is an early manifestation of the scorn and persecution the early church would face for its bold witness, a reality foreshadowed by Jesus himself in [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "The World's Hatred"). Finally, the verse underscores the **nature of spiritual manifestations**; to the uninitiated or unbelieving, the genuine work of the Holy Spirit can appear unusual, disorderly, or even foolish, leading to misjudgments, as articulated by Paul in [1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "The Foolishness of the Cross") and [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "The Natural Man Does Not Understand Spiritual Things").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mocking (Greek, _chleuázō_):** This verb literally means "to throw out the lip," signifying a gesture of scorn, derision, or jeering. It implies not just disagreement but contemptuous ridicule, suggesting a deliberate attempt to belittle and discredit the disciples and their experience. The accusers were not merely questioning but actively mocking.
* **full (Greek, _mestóō_):** Derived from a word meaning "full" or "replenished," this verb, in this context, specifically implies being filled to the point of intoxication. It suggests a state of being overwhelmed or controlled by the substance, in this case, wine, leading to impaired judgment and behavior. The accusers used this term to explain the disciples' seemingly erratic behavior.
* **new wine (Greek, _gleûkos_):** This term refers to sweet, freshly pressed grape juice that has begun or is still undergoing fermentation. Because of its high sugar content, _gleûkos_ could be quite potent and rapidly intoxicating. The choice of "new wine" rather than just "wine" emphasizes the strength and quick effect of the alleged intoxication, making the accusation more pointed and dismissive of any spiritual explanation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Others mocking said,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes a contrasting reaction within the crowd. While some were amazed and perplexed, a distinct group chose to respond with open scorn and ridicule. Their "saying" was not a question but an assertion, delivered with contempt, indicating a pre-judgment rather than a genuine inquiry into the phenomenon they witnessed. This highlights the human tendency to dismiss what is not understood or what challenges their worldview.
* **"These men are full of new wine."**: This is the specific accusation leveled against the disciples. It is a derogatory and naturalistic explanation for the supernatural outpouring of the Holy Spirit. By claiming the disciples were intoxicated with _gleûkos_ (new wine), the accusers sought to invalidate their speech and behavior, reducing a divine manifestation to a common, worldly indulgence. This accusation served to discredit the disciples' testimony and undermine the miraculous nature of the event, portraying them as disorderly and irrational rather than divinely inspired.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the awe and perplexity of some onlookers with the dismissive mockery of others. This highlights the divergent human responses to divine revelation. There is also significant **Irony** at play: the disciples are indeed "full," but not of wine; they are filled with the Holy Spirit, the very source of divine truth and power. The accusers, in their attempt to demean, inadvertently underscore the profound spiritual fullness the disciples experienced. Furthermore, the accusation serves as **Foreshadowing** of the ongoing opposition and misunderstanding that the early church, and indeed believers throughout history, would face when manifesting God's power or living out their faith in ways that defy worldly logic. The "new wine" itself can be seen as a **Symbol** of worldly intoxication and confusion, standing in stark opposition to the clarity and divine power of the Holy Spirit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:13 profoundly illustrates the inherent tension between the spiritual and the secular, demonstrating how divine realities are often misconstrued or outright rejected by those operating solely within a naturalistic worldview. The accusation of drunkenness is a classic example of the "wisdom of the world" attempting to explain away the "foolishness of God," failing to grasp the spiritual truths that are "spiritually discerned." This verse sets a precedent for the opposition the church would consistently face, where genuine spiritual experiences are often met with skepticism, ridicule, or outright hostility, forcing believers to articulate and defend the truth of the gospel.

* [1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "The Message of the Cross is Foolishness to the Perishing"): "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "The Natural Man Does Not Understand Spiritual Things"): "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "The World's Hatred of Believers"): "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you... If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you..."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:13 offers a timeless lesson for believers navigating a world often resistant to spiritual truth. When the Holy Spirit moves powerfully, or when believers live out their faith boldly and uniquely, their behavior may appear unusual, even foolish, to those who lack spiritual understanding. This verse encourages believers to anticipate such scrutiny and misunderstanding, reminding us that not everyone will comprehend or approve of authentic spiritual manifestations or a Spirit-filled life. Rather than being silenced by mockery or ridicule, we are called to stand firm in the truth of God's work, just as Peter immediately addressed this accusation with a clear and powerful explanation of the events as a fulfillment of prophecy ([Acts 2:14-21](/acts/2-14-21 "Peter's Sermon Begins")). This passage underscores the importance of discernment, both for recognizing God's hand at work despite appearances and for articulating the gospel clearly in the face of skepticism. It challenges us to remain faithful witnesses, even when our faith is met with scorn, trusting that God will use our steadfastness to draw others to Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when my faith or spiritual experiences are misunderstood or mocked by others?**
* **In what ways might my Spirit-filled life appear "foolish" or "strange" to those outside the faith?**
* **What steps can I take to better articulate the truth of God's work in my life and in the world, even when facing skepticism?**
* **How does the example of the early disciples facing mockery encourage me to stand firm in my convictions?**

### FAQ
**Why did some people accuse the disciples of being drunk on "new wine"?**

Answer: The accusation of drunkenness was a naturalistic and dismissive explanation for the disciples' extraordinary behavior. They were speaking in diverse languages they had not learned, with fervent emotion and unusual sounds, which to some onlookers, seemed disorderly or irrational. In ancient cultures, such public displays were sometimes attributed to intoxication. The specific mention of "new wine" (Greek: _gleûkos_) implies a particularly potent and rapidly intoxicating beverage, which would account for the perceived intensity of the disciples' "drunkenness." This accusation allowed the mockers to avoid a supernatural explanation and instead attribute the phenomenon to a common, discreditable vice. Peter directly refutes this accusation in [Acts 2:15](/acts/2-15 "Peter's Rebuttal of the Drunkenness Accusation"), pointing out that it was only the third hour of the day (9 AM), an unlikely time for profound public intoxication.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The mockery directed at the Spirit-filled disciples in [Acts 2:13](/acts/2-13 "Acts 2:13 - The Accusation of Drunkenness") serves as a poignant echo of the scorn and derision that Jesus Christ himself endured throughout His earthly ministry. Just as the disciples were accused of being filled with "new wine" when they were filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard ([Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Jesus Accused of Gluttony and Drunkenness")) and even of being possessed by a demon ([John 8:48](/john/8-48 "Jesus Accused of Being a Samaritan and Having a Demon")) when He was performing miracles and speaking divine truth. The world's inability to comprehend or accept the divine, whether in the person of Christ or in the manifestation of His Spirit, leads to similar patterns of dismissal and ridicule. However, just as Jesus' suffering and mockery ultimately led to His glorification and the triumph of the cross, the Spirit's outpouring, though initially mocked, became the catalyst for the church's explosive growth and the spread of the gospel, fulfilling Christ's promise of empowerment ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission")). The Spirit's work in the disciples, though misunderstood, was a continuation of Christ's mission to draw all people to Himself, demonstrating His ongoing presence and power through His body, the church, until His return ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Jesus' Promise of Presence")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 14:23

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

Acts 2:15

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the third hour of the day.

1 Samuel 1:14

And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

Song Of Solomon 7:9

And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth [down] sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak.

Zechariah 10:7

And [they of] Ephraim shall be like a mighty [man], and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see [it], and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.

Job 32:19

Behold, my belly [is] as wine [which] hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

Isaiah 25:6

¶ And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.