Acts 2:13

Acts 2:13, in plain English

Some people in the crowd mocked the disciples, claiming they were drunk on new wine rather than acknowledging anything supernatural.

Why it's here

Even at a moment of God's power, skepticism emerges. Early morning (it was only about 9 AM) wasn't typically a time for heavy drinking, which made this excuse ridiculous. But some people will always choose mockery over faith. They couldn't deny what was happening, so they offered a natural explanation — even one that didn't make sense.

Who's speaking

Luke, noting the skeptics in the crowd

Where it sits in the story

Dismissing God's work as foolishness or drunkenness isn't new. But it's also not what will win the day. Peter is about to stand up and give a clear, powerful explanation of what's actually happening.

The scholarly reading

Some observers dismissed the disciples mockingly, attributing their behavior to drunkenness from new wine rather than acknowledging divine causation.

Language and setting

The imperfect ἔλεγον—'were saying'—suggests this explanation circulated among certain segments of the crowd. The charge of intoxication appears specifically as mockery (χλευάζω, chleeuazō), not serious accusation. The reference to νέος οἶνος—'new wine'—may suggest freshly fermented grape juice, thought to have intoxicating properties, though the charge remains absurd given the early hour (as Peter will note).

Voice

Skeptical observers within the crowd

Significance

This objection serves Luke's apologetic purposes: it represents the kind of naturalistic, reductionist explanation that resists acknowledging divine action. By including this skeptical voice, Luke demonstrates the gospel's necessity—it must overcome not merely ignorance but willful resistance to supernatural categories of understanding.

11both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

12Astounded and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

13But others mocked them and said, “They are drunk on new wine!”

14Then 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.

15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only the third hour of the day!

Read all of Acts 2 — The Spirit arrives like wind and fire. The church is born in a single day. A movement that will never stop starts in one room.