What does "Drunk in the Spirit" mean?

Definition and Context

“Drunk in the Spirit” is an informal expression sometimes used to describe a believer’s experience of an overwhelming sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence. While the exact phrase does not appear in Scripture, it is often connected to accounts in Acts—particularly the accusation in Acts 2:13 that the apostles were “full of new wine” when they began proclaiming in unknown tongues on the day of Pentecost. Onlookers, witnessing the disciples’ exuberance, assumed they were under the influence of literal alcohol. Scripturally, however, Peter explains in Acts 2:15, “These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only the third hour of the day!” He then attributes their behavior to the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:16–18).

Key Scriptural References

• Acts 2:1–15: The Holy Spirit fills believers and onlookers assume they are physically inebriated. Peter clarifies they are empowered by the Spirit rather than intoxicated.

• Ephesians 5:18: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” This addresses contrasting influences: the fleeting and damaging effects of physical drunkenness versus the transformative power of God’s Spirit.

• 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40: Though not mentioning “drunkenness,” Paul urges order and clarity in worship. This reminds believers that Holy Spirit empowerment does not yield chaotic behavior, but rather edification and peace.

Historical and Modern Interpretations

In early Christian worship, some commentators record ecstatic manifestations—joyful praise, singing, and a deep awareness of God’s presence. While the phrase “drunk in the Spirit” is more modern, the concept of believers showing intense joy or fervor is seen in various periods of Church history. During the Protestant Reformation and subsequent awakenings (such as those led by Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield), observers often reported emotional responses and deep conviction, though they did not commonly use the term “drunk in the Spirit.”

In certain contemporary charismatic and Pentecostal circles, “drunk in the Spirit” describes a person who appears overwhelmed by divine joy or temporarily incapacitated (such as an inability to stand or speak normally) during collective or individual prayer. Proponents interpret this as God’s Spirit touching an individual in an extraordinary way, though it remains a subject of debate among believers regarding its validation and expression.

Distinctions from Physical Drunkenness

Physical drunkenness impairs judgment, motor skills, and self-awareness. It often leads to reckless behavior. In contrast, spiritual filling should ultimately produce a sharper awareness of God, a heart inclined to worship, and a capacity to love and serve others better (Galatians 5:22–23).

Acts 2 shows that after being filled with the Spirit, the disciples spoke languages they had never learned, leading to the spread of the gospel rather than mere incoherence. Hence, being “filled with the Spirit” aims at growing in holiness and glorifying God, rather than causing the disorientation linked to literal intoxication.

Biblical Warnings and Guidelines

Though Acts 2 shows confusion among onlookers, Scripture consistently warns against actual drunkenness (Proverbs 20:1; Galatians 5:19–21). Ephesians 5:18 strikes a contrast, encouraging a believer’s heart to be influenced by the Spirit rather than intoxicants. This call suggests:

1. Worship: A life oriented toward ongoing praise and gratitude (Ephesians 5:19–20).

2. Submission and Love: Willingness to live in humility and service toward one another (Ephesians 5:21).

3. Order: 1 Corinthians 14:40 reminds, “But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.” Godly expressions should point people to Christ and not trivialize or confuse the message of truth.

Considerations for Believers

1. Discernment: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 instructs believers to “test all things” and “hold fast to what is good.” Any spiritual manifestation should be weighed by Scripture’s teaching and its fruit in believers’ lives.

2. Focus on Christ: If an experience detracts from the clear message of the gospel, it should be questioned. True work of the Spirit testifies of Christ (John 15:26).

3. Congregational Edification: Paul’s emphasis on building up the church suggests that any expression—whether physical rejoicing or quiet awe—should ultimately strengthen, encourage, and unify the body of Christ.

Reliability of Biblical Teaching

Passages addressing God’s Spirit and His work in believers are well-attested in ancient manuscripts. Over 5,800 Greek New Testament manuscripts (along with numerous early translations and quotations found in writings of church fathers) present a consistent message about the Holy Spirit’s role. Discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, while primarily preserving portions of the Hebrew Scriptures, confirm the reliability of scriptural transmission across centuries.

Taken together, the biblical text and manuscript evidence point to a clear teaching: believers are to be “filled with the Spirit,” bearing fruit that showcases love, joy, and peace, rather than confusion and chaos.

Conclusion

“Drunk in the Spirit” is an informal term used by some believers to describe a spiritually overwhelming encounter with God. While the Bible never uses this exact phrase, Scripture does present a distinction between physical drunkenness and the life-changing fullness of the Holy Spirit. The experiences described in Acts 2 highlight how God’s power can appear astonishing to observers, yet ultimately directs hearts toward worship and testifies to the resurrection of Christ.

Any genuine movement of the Spirit is guided by Scripture, leads to a deeper reverence for God, and fosters mutual edification among believers. Whenever evaluating such expressions, believers are called to use biblical discernment, ensuring that all forms of worship or spiritual experiences reflect the Holy Spirit’s purpose: to magnify Christ and build up His church.