Acts 2:13

Acts 2:13 describes a specific reaction to the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. As the disciples, filled with the Spirit, began to speak in other tongues, a diverse crowd gathered. While some were amazed and bewildered, others reacted with scorn and disbelief.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic events of Acts 2:1-4, where the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and other believers, enabling them to speak in various languages. The sound of this event drew a large crowd of devout Jews from every nation under heaven, who were astonished to hear their own native languages being spoken by Galileans (Acts 2:5-12). Amidst this wonder and perplexity, a vocal minority dismissed the supernatural phenomenon entirely, offering a cynical explanation for the disciples' fervent behavior.

Key Themes and Messages

• Misunderstanding and Skepticism: The verse highlights the human tendency to dismiss or ridicule what cannot be easily explained or understood through natural means. Rather than seeking a divine explanation, some immediately resorted to a mundane and demeaning one.
• Opposition to God's Work: This mockery serves as an early example of the opposition and scorn the early church would face. Whenever God's power is displayed, there will often be those who scoff or try to discredit it, fulfilling what is often seen in 1 Corinthians 1:18 regarding the world's view of spiritual truths.
• The Nature of Spiritual Manifestations: To the unbelieving or uninitiated eye, the genuine work of the Holy Spirit can appear unusual, disorderly, or even foolish, leading to misjudgments like the accusation of drunkenness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "new wine" translates the Greek word gleukos (γλεῦκος), which refers to sweet, freshly fermented wine. This type of wine was known for its potent intoxicating effects, as it was still undergoing fermentation and could therefore be quite strong. The accusers were implying that the disciples were not just casually drunk, but rather profoundly inebriated on a particularly strong and intoxicating beverage, thus completely undermining any claim of divine inspiration.

Practical Application

Acts 2:13 offers a timeless lesson for believers. When the Spirit of God moves powerfully, or when believers live out their faith boldly and uniquely, they may face misunderstanding, ridicule, or outright opposition from those who do not comprehend spiritual realities. This verse encourages believers to:

• Expect Scrutiny: Not everyone will understand or approve of spiritual manifestations or a Spirit-filled life.
• Stand Firm in Truth: Just as Peter immediately addresses this accusation in Acts 2:15, believers are called to clearly articulate the truth of God's work, rather than being silenced by mockery.
• Discernment: It reminds us that external appearances can be deceiving, and true spiritual discernment is required to recognize God's hand at work.

The mockery in Acts 2:13 sets the stage for Peter's powerful sermon, where he explains the events of Pentecost as the fulfillment of prophecy, turning the accusation of drunkenness into an opportunity to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.