Topical Encyclopedia In the early days of the Christian Church, the apostles faced numerous challenges and accusations as they spread the Gospel. One notable instance of false accusation is found in the account of Pentecost, where the apostles were accused of drunkenness. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 2:1-15.Context of the Accusation The day of Pentecost was a significant Jewish feast, celebrated fifty days after Passover. It was during this feast that the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to speak in various languages. Acts 2:4 states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." This miraculous event drew a large crowd of devout Jews from every nation under heaven, who were bewildered to hear the apostles speaking in their native languages. The Accusation Amidst the amazement and confusion, some onlookers mocked the apostles, attributing their behavior to drunkenness. Acts 2:13 records, "But others mocked them and said, 'They are drunk on new wine!'" This accusation was a misunderstanding of the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, as the observers could not comprehend the divine nature of what was occurring. Peter's Defense In response to the accusation, the Apostle Peter stood up with the Eleven and addressed the crowd. Acts 2:14-15 states, "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up 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!'" Peter's defense was both logical and scriptural. He pointed out that it was only the third hour of the day, approximately 9 a.m., a time when it was unlikely for anyone to be drunk. Significance of the Event Peter's explanation went beyond merely defending against the accusation. He used the opportunity to proclaim the fulfillment of prophecy and the inauguration of the last days as foretold by the prophet Joel. Acts 2:16-17 quotes Peter saying, "No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people.'" This event marked the beginning of the Church's mission to spread the Gospel to all nations, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Theological Implications The false accusation of drunkenness highlights the misunderstanding and skepticism that often accompany the work of the Holy Spirit. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual blindness that can prevent individuals from recognizing divine intervention. The apostles' experience underscores the importance of discernment and the need for believers to be prepared to defend their faith with clarity and truth. Conclusion The incident at Pentecost, where the apostles were falsely accused of drunkenness, is a powerful testament to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit and the challenges faced by early Christians. It illustrates the necessity of bold proclamation and the fulfillment of God's promises through His chosen messengers. Nave's Topical Index Acts 2:13-15Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. Nave's Topical Index Library The Ninth Commandment Matt. v. 1, 2 1 Cor. xi. 17 Articles of Religion. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Letter Xciii. (AD 408. ) The Fourth Book Articuli xxxix. Ecclesi?? Anglican??. AD 1562. The Seventh Book Resources How should a Christian view alcoholics? What does the Bible say about drunkards? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus drink wine/alcohol? | GotQuestions.org Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.org Drunkenness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Drunkenness is a Work of the Flesh Drunkenness: Avoid Those Given To Drunkenness: Ben-Hadad and his Thirty-Two Confederate Kings Drunkenness: Denunciations Against: Those Given To Drunkenness: Denunciations Against: Those Who Encourage Drunkenness: Excludes from Heaven Drunkenness: False Teachers often Addicted To Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of Hannah Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of Jesus Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of The Apostles Drunkenness: Folly of Yielding To Drunkenness: General Scriptures Concerning Drunkenness: Leads to Contempt of God's Works Drunkenness: Leads to Rioting and Wantonness Drunkenness: Leads to Scorning Drunkenness: Leads to Woe and Sorrow Drunkenness: Overcharges the Heart Drunkenness: Takes Away the Heart Drunkenness: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences) |
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