What is the meaning of Acts 2:15? These men “These men…” (Acts 2:15) signals Peter pointing to the gathered disciples who had just received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). • They are ordinary Galileans—fishermen, tax collectors—now boldly proclaiming God’s works (Acts 2:7-11). • The crowd’s attention shifts from mocking to marveling as Peter identifies the true source of their behavior (John 15:26-27). are not drunk “are not drunk…” dismisses the accusation of intoxication. • Scripture consistently warns against drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18; Proverbs 20:1), reinforcing Peter’s denial. • The supernatural signs—speaking in languages they never learned—contrast sharply with the confusion of alcohol (Isaiah 28:11; Numbers 11:25-26). • Peter protects the witness of Christ’s body by immediately clarifying their sobriety (1 Peter 2:12). as you suppose “as you suppose” highlights the crowd’s natural but flawed interpretation. • Spiritual realities are often misunderstood by those looking only through human reasoning (1 Corinthians 2:14; John 7:12). • This moment parallels earlier misunderstandings of Jesus’ works—healing on the Sabbath, casting out demons—where observers leapt to wrong conclusions (Mark 3:21-22; John 9:16). • Peter gently corrects, redirecting them toward divine explanation instead of ridicule (Acts 3:12-16). It is only the third hour of the day! “It is only the third hour of the day!”—about 9 a.m. in Jewish reckoning. • Drinking wine that early would violate social norms and worship practices tied to morning sacrifice (Exodus 29:38-41; Psalm 5:3). • By pointing to the hour, Peter anchors the event in a context of regular devotion, not revelry (Luke 24:53). • The timing fulfills Jesus’ promise of the Spirit “not many days from now” (Acts 1:5) and aligns with prophetic expectation (Joel 2:28-29). summary Peter’s brief defense in Acts 2:15 dismantles a careless accusation and steers the crowd from mockery to marvel. By identifying the speakers (“These men”), denying drunkenness, exposing false assumptions, and appealing to the early hour, he clears the ground for proclaiming Christ. The verse shows how quickly the Spirit-filled church confronts misunderstanding with truth, upholding sobriety, credibility, and the literal fulfillment of God’s Word. |
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