Breakdown of Acts 2:13-18

"But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For th…" — These mockers, quick to dismiss what they don't understand, throw out the "new wine" accusation to explain away the miraculous. It's a classic deflection: instead of grappling with the divine power t…

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Acts 2:13-18

What does Acts 2:13-18 mean?

These mockers, quick to dismiss what they don't understand, throw out the "new wine" accusation to explain away the miraculous. It's a classic deflection: instead of grappling with the divine power they're witnessing, they resort to a common, earthly explanation—drunkenness—to discredit it.

But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Acts 2:13-18 means

As the apostles begin to speak in tongues, a crowd gathers, bewildered and amazed by the phenomenon. Some onlookers, however, react with scorn and disbelief, dismissing the miraculous event as mere drunkenness. These skeptics mock the disciples, attributing their ecstatic utterances to the effects of drinking too much new wine, a charge the apostle Peter will soon refute.

Ridicule as a Reaction to the Spirit

Ever seen something amazing that others just dismissed? The disciples weren't the first to face skepticism.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was a radical, undeniable event. Yet, not everyone responded with awe. Some people, blinded by their own perspective, chose mockery over wonder.

The World's Default Response

When God's power breaks through in unexpected ways, the default human reaction is often not to believe, but to explain it away. This verse shows us that ridicule is an ancient tactic used to discredit spiritual experiences. It's easier to call people 'drunk' or 'crazy' than to admit that something divine is happening.

Don't Be Discouraged

This isn't just about Pentecost. Throughout history, whenever there's been a genuine move of God, there have been those who scoff. Jesus Himself was mocked. This reaction isn't a sign that the Spirit isn't working, but rather a predictable response from those who are resistant to His power.

The 'New Wine' Excuse

Why 'new wine'? What was so convenient about this accusation for the mockers?

The charge that the disciples were 'filled with new wine' was more than just an insult; it was a convenient, dismissive explanation.

A Plausible, But False, Diagnosis

'New wine' or 'sweet wine' (gleukos) was known to be intoxicating. The mockers used this common understanding to explain away the disciples' unusual behavior and speech. It allowed them to avoid confronting the possibility of God's direct intervention.

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What Acts 2:13-18 means

What does Acts 2:13-18 mean?

What Acts 2:13-18 means

Ridicule as a Reaction to the Spirit

The 'New Wine' Excuse

Ask Sola about this verse

What Acts 2:13-18 means

Ridicule as a Reaction to the Spirit

The 'New Wine' Excuse

Ask Sola about this verse

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