What does Acts 2:15 mean?

Explanation

Acts 2:15 is part of the account of the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.

This verse specifically addresses an objection raised by some onlookers who presumed that the apostles were drunk due to their unusual behavior, which included speaking in tongues that the onlookers did not understand.

Peter, one of the apostles, refutes this by pointing out the early hour of the day, suggesting that it was not a time when people would customarily be inebriated.

The deeper meaning here is the defense of a supernatural event, the coming of the Holy Spirit, as being mistaken for a natural condition, such as drunkenness.

Historical Context

The verse is set during the Jewish feast of Pentecost, which occurred 50 days after Passover.

This was a time when many Jews from across the Roman Empire would have been in Jerusalem.

The third hour of the day, according to Jewish timekeeping, would be approximately 9 a.m.

This was considered early in the day, and Judaism had norms against drinking wine or strong drink before temple duties or the day's work.

Peter's argument was that it would be highly unlikely for the apostles to be drunk so early in the morning.

Theological Insights

From a Pentecostal Christian perspective, Acts 2:15 is commonly cited as a clear early instance of speaking in tongues as a gift from the Holy Spirit.

A more general Christian view may focus on the broader event of Pentecost as the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).

Non-Pentecostal scholars might emphasize the birth of the church and the inclusivity of the gospel to all languages and nations.

A theological point is made here about the true nature of the apostles' experience; it is not due to intoxication but is a divine occurrence.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can remind believers to seek and recognize the spiritual explanation for events and not to default to worldly or cynical interpretations.

It also encourages Christians not to judge outward appearances hastily, but rather to discern situations prayerfully.

The verse calls for sobriety, literally and figuratively, in worship and the work of the church.

Cross-References

• Joel 2:28-29: "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh..."
• Ephesians 5:18: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"
• Acts 2:4: "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues..."

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text from the verse Acts 2:15 are:

• "οὐτοι" (houtoi): "these (men)," emphasizing the subject, the apostles.
• "μεθύσκω" (methyskō): means "to be drunk" or "intoxicated."
• "ὑπολαμβάνω" (hypolambanō): "suppose," "assume," or "conjecture," a word indicating that the onlookers were making an assumption.
• "ὡρα" (hōra): "hour," "time of day."

Understanding the original language clarifies that the onlookers made an assumption (hypolambanō) about the state of the apostles without true evidence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this event to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, it is perhaps similar to stories where divine beings or forces cause human beings to perform supernatural acts, which are then misunderstood by others.

However, unlike myths which often have themes of deception or error, the Pentecost account stands out in its emphasis on transparency and the communication of truth through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific commentary on this verse.

However, the observation made by Peter could be seen as consistent with contemporary understandings of social behavior: it would be unusual for a large group of people to be in a state of drunkenness so early in the day during a religious festival.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse provide insights into its significance and context.

For instance, the Pulpit Commentary explains that Peter is appealing to the common sense and everyday experiences of his hearers.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the abuse of the gift of tongues by suggesting that the mockers made a jest of that which should have been for them a conviction.

These commentaries and others illuminate the idea that the apostles' state was not due to wine but to the Holy Spirit's influence.