Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, the disciples of Jesus were falsely accused of intoxication during the event of Pentecost, as recorded in the Book of Acts. This incident provides insight into the early Christian experience and the misunderstandings they faced from onlookers.Pentecost and the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit The event took place during the Jewish festival of Pentecost, a time when Jews from various regions gathered in Jerusalem. According to Acts 2, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in various tongues. This miraculous event was a fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit to empower His followers. The Accusation of Intoxication As the apostles spoke in different languages, the crowd was bewildered and amazed. Some, however, mocked them, suggesting that they were drunk. Acts 2:13 states, "But others mocked them and said, 'They are full of new wine!'" This accusation of intoxication was a misunderstanding of the spiritual phenomenon occurring. The apostles were not under the influence of alcohol but were filled with the Holy Spirit, which enabled them to communicate the gospel to people of diverse linguistic backgrounds. Peter's Defense In response to the accusation, the apostle Peter stood up to address the crowd. Acts 2:14-15 records his defense: "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 clarified that it was only nine in the morning, a time when it was unlikely for anyone to be drunk. He then proceeded to explain that what the crowd was witnessing was the fulfillment of the prophecy from the Book of Joel, where God promised to pour out His Spirit on all people. Significance of the Accusation The false charge of intoxication highlights the skepticism and misunderstanding that the early Christians faced. It underscores the contrast between the natural and the supernatural, as the observers could not comprehend the divine work of the Holy Spirit. This incident also emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which enabled the apostles to boldly proclaim the message of Christ despite opposition and ridicule. Conclusion The accusation of intoxication against the disciples at Pentecost serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early Christians in conveying the truth of the gospel. It also illustrates the fulfillment of God's promises and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. Nave's Topical Index Acts 2:13Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. Nave's Topical Index Library Introduction to Oration ii. Memoir of John Bunyan The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . Resources What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is consubstantiation? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus choose the wedding at Cana for His first miracle? | GotQuestions.org Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wine in Excess: Impairs the Health Wine in Excess: Impairs the Judgment and Memory Wine in Excess: Inflames the Passions Wine in Excess: Infuriates the Temper Wine in Excess: Leads to Remorse Wine in Excess: Leads to Sorrow and Contention Wine in Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God Wine Press of the Judgments of God Wine Press: General Scriptures Concerning Wine Press: Treading The, of the Sufferings of Christ Wine Press: Trodden With Joy and Shouting Wine was Made of The Juice of the Grape Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate Wine was Used for Drink offerings in Idolatrous Worship Wine was Used for Drink offerings in the Worship of God Wine was Used: As a Beverage from the Earliest Age Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments Wine with Corn and Oil, Denoted all Temporal Blessings Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel Wine: Abstinence from of the Courtiers of Ahasuerus Wine: Abstinence from of Timothy Wine: Admonitions Against the Use of Wine: An Article of Extensive Commerce Wine: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion Wine: Consequence of Putting (When New), Into Old Bottles Wine: Custom of Giving to Persons in Pain or Suffering, Mixed With Wine: Custom of Presenting to Travellers Wine: First Fruits of, to be offered to God Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites During Their Separation Wine: Forbidden to Priests While on Duty Wine: Forbidden to the Priests While Engaged in the Tabernacle Wine: Generally Made by Treading the Grapes in a Press Wine: Given by Melchizedek to Abraham Wine: Given in Abundance to the Jews when Obedient Wine: Intoxication from the Use of Wine: Intoxication From: Ahasuerus Wine: Intoxication From: Amnon Wine: Intoxication From: Falsely Charged Against the Disciples Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers Wine: Intoxication From: Kings of Israel Wine: Intoxication From: Nabal Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength Wine: Places Celebrated For: Assyria Wine: Places Celebrated For: Canaan in General Wine: Places Celebrated For: Helbon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Lebanon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Moab Wine: Places Celebrated For: Possessions of Judah Wine: Recommended by Paul to Timothy Wine: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage Wine: Sweet, Esteemed for Flavour and Strength Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus Wine: The Jews Frequently Deprived of, As a Punishment Wine: The Jews Frequently Drank, to Excess Wine: The Love of Christ to be Preferred To Wine: The Rechabites Never Drank Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into Related Terms |
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