How can we respond to mockery with grace, as seen in Acts 2:13? The Scene at Pentecost Acts 2 records the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Amid awe-filled wonder, verse 13 notes: “But others mocked them and said, ‘They are drunk on new wine!’” Peter Models a Grace-Filled Response Acts 2:14-15 shows how Peter handled the ridicule: • “Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and addressed the crowd: ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only the third hour of the day!’” Key observations: • Calm composure—he “stood up,” not stormed off. • Clear correction—he directly answered the false charge. • Respectful address—“Men of Judea…” acknowledged their dignity. • Immediate appeal to facts—“only the third hour” (about 9 a.m.). • Swift pivot to Scripture—he flowed into Joel’s prophecy (Acts 2:16-21). Principles for Responding to Mockery 1. Stay Spirit-led – The Spirit had just filled them (Acts 2:4). Yielding to Him produces self-control (Galatians 5:23). 2. Address the misunderstanding, not attack the mocker – Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” 3. Speak truth plainly and briefly – “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” (Matthew 5:37) 4. Anchor every reply in Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us Scripture is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 5. Keep the door open for repentance – Peter’s sermon ended with an invitation: “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). 6. Trust God for vindication – Romans 12:19-21 calls us to overcome evil with good. Practical Ways to Answer Mockery Today • Pause to pray inwardly before replying. • Use respectful terms (“friend,” “sir/ma’am”) instead of labels. • State facts: “Actually, Scripture says…” or “It’s only…” • Quote the Word accurately; let its authority stand. • Offer a gracious next step: “You’re welcome to explore this further.” • If the taunting persists, step back—Jesus sometimes “withdrew” (Matthew 12:15). Encouragement for the Journey • Jesus Himself was mocked (Luke 22:63-65) yet said, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). • 1 Peter 3:15-16 urges, “Always be prepared to give a defense… yet with gentleness and respect.” • God turns ridicule into redemption—3,000 souls believed that very day (Acts 2:41). Mockery never thwarts His saving purposes when we respond with grace. |
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