Acts 2:15

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

Acts 2:15 (KJV)

Context

Acts 2 records the events of the Day of Pentecost, which occurred after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. On this day, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the believers who were gathered in one place. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. This miraculous event drew a crowd of people who were amazed and perplexed.

Some of the observers accused the believers of being drunk, assuming that their unusual behaviour and speaking in different languages were the result of intoxication. This accusation reflected their ignorance of the true nature of the events taking place.

Meaning

In response to the accusation, Peter stood up with the eleven apostles and addressed the crowd. He refuted the notion that the believers were drunk by pointing out that it was only the third hour of the day, which would have been approximately 9 a.m. The Jews divided their day into twelve equal parts from sunrise to sunset, so the third hour was mid-morning. This statement implies that it was too early in the day for people to be drunk, as Jewish custom discouraged drinking at such an early hour.

Peter’s argument is simple and practical: the accusation was implausible. At that hour, it was not customary for people to be intoxicated. The word “these” includes Peter himself and the other apostles, as well as the rest of the 120 believers who had received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s response redirects the crowd from a natural explanation to the supernatural reality of what was happening: the Holy Spirit had been poured out, fulfilling prophecy.

Biblical connections

Peter’s defense holds spiritual significance beyond the literal meaning of the text. It indicates that what the people were witnessing was not a result of worldly excess or drunkenness but a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s power. This miraculous outpouring was a fulfilment of the prophecy given by the prophet Joel (Acts 2:16-21).

After establishing that the believers were not drunk, Peter used the opportunity to preach a powerful sermon to the crowd, explaining the significance of the events taking place and pointing them to Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of God’s promises. He proclaimed the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus, calling the people to repentance and faith in Him (Acts 2:22-41).

Application

Acts 2:15 reminds us that as followers of Christ, we may face misunderstandings and accusations from the world. However, we should always be ready to respond with grace, truth, and clarity. Like Peter, we can use such moments as opportunities to share the Gospel and point people to Jesus Christ.

The verse also highlights the sobriety and order of the Spirit’s work, contrasting it with drunkenness. The believers were not under the influence of wine but were filled with the Spirit, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. This calls for a sober assessment of spiritual experiences, ensuring that they align with God’s Word and character. The timing also shows God’s sovereignty: the Spirit came at the appointed time, not in a moment of human excitement or excess.

Reflection

Acts 2:15 captures a pivotal moment during the Day of Pentecost, where the accusation of drunkenness is refuted, paving the way for Peter to deliver a powerful sermon. This verse teaches us about the importance of responding to misconceptions with truth and seizing opportunities to proclaim the Gospel.