What is the meaning of Acts 2:13? But others The Spirit’s outpouring in Acts 2:1-12 drew two distinct responses—amazement and skepticism. Luke notes, “But others,” reminding us that whenever God acts publicly, not everyone receives it in faith (see John 12:37-40; 1 Corinthians 2:14). • Even on the day the church was born, a dividing line appeared between belief and unbelief, just as Jesus had foretold in John 15:18-21. • Scripture consistently shows a remnant who respond positively and a crowd who refuse (Numbers 14:1-4 versus Joshua 14:6-9; Matthew 13:57). mocked them Mockery is the default weapon of unbelief. Rather than wrestling honestly with evidence, scoffers ridicule the messenger (2 Peter 3:3-4). • Noah faced it while building the ark (Hebrews 11:7). • Elijah endured it from the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:27). • Jesus Himself was mocked on the cross (Matthew 27:39-44). Acts 2 reminds us that ridicule does not invalidate the reality of God’s work; it merely exposes the mocker’s heart (Proverbs 9:8). and said Words have power. The critics verbalized their contempt, influencing others (James 3:5-6). • Their speech illustrates how unbelief spreads if unchallenged (Psalm 12:4). • Peter will answer their claim in verses 14-21, modeling how believers should respond “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15-16), yet firmly declaring truth. “They are drunk on new wine!” The accusation tries to explain away the supernatural with a natural cause, even though the disciples were speaking in known languages at 9 a.m. (Acts 2:8, 15). • Similar dismissals appear throughout Scripture: Pharaoh’s magicians counter Moses (Exodus 7:11-13), and Festus calls Paul mad (Acts 26:24). • Peter immediately corrects them, pointing to Joel 2:28-32 to affirm that what is happening is the fulfillment of prophecy, not intoxication. • Ironically, being “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) is the righteous counterpart to drunkenness; the crowd confuses holy boldness with excess because they lack spiritual discernment. summary Acts 2:13 records the predictable response of unbelief—mockery and a naturalistic explanation. Yet the very sneer, “They are drunk on new wine!” sets the stage for Peter’s sermon, where God turns ridicule into revelation. Skepticism cannot cancel Pentecost; it simply highlights the contrast between hearts opened by the Spirit and hearts closed in scorn. |
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