Acts 2:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

NIV: These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!

NASB: For these people are not drunk, as you assume, since it is only the third hour of the day;

CSB: For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning.

NLT: These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that.

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

NKJV: For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

The evangelistic and apologetic speeches recorded in Acts include three from Peter (Acts 2:14–41; 3:12–26; 10:34–43), one from Stephen (Acts 7:2–53), and several from Paul. One notable characteristic of all of them is that they attempt to fully explain the questions and concerns of the audience, addressing what is going on right then and there.

Here, Peter is answering the charge that the Jesus-followers are drunk (Acts 2:13). In fact, they are filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in foreign languages (Acts 2:1–4). But those without "ears to hear" (Matthew 11:15) apparently just hear gibberish. Peter goes on to explain that it's only nine in the morning (Acts 2:15). Jews haven't even started eating for the feast, yet. The claim they are drunk is an ad hominem attack: a specious criticism against the character of the speakers instead of a logical response to their argument.

But the fact that Peter addresses the attack says something important about evangelism. This is a large crowd, but only part of the 900,000-or-so visitors in Jerusalem. It's very possible that those who assume they're hearing gibberish, not a language, are resisting the Holy Spirit. But 3,000 others (Acts 2:41) are chosen, and many of them heard these accusations. By proving the charges wrong, Peter has removed a stumbling block to the gospel—not for the accusers but for the other audience members.

Apologetics is the art of defending the Christian faith. Evangelism is the transmission of the message that Jesus saves. It's been said that evangelism is exclusively for non-believers, to bring them to the faith, but apologetics can also apply to believers, helping to keep their faith strong. Peter proves that apologetics can be important for pre-believers, as well. He answers a small problem in a decisive way and clears the air for the bigger message. He also proves that he is paying attention to the concerns and questions around him. That makes it much easier for the crowd to listen to and accept his words.

Acts 2:14–36 transcribes the first sermon ever given by a Christian. The Holy Spirit that Jesus promised (John 14:16–17) has come upon 120 of His followers in Jerusalem (Acts 1:15; 2:1–4). They immediately start speaking in different languages, shocking a crowd of Jews and proselytes who are in town to celebrate Pentecost (Acts 2:5–11). Some of the crowd dismiss the speech as nonsense; others are very interested (Acts 2:12–13). Peter, combining his natural enthusiasm as spokesman for the group with wisdom from the Spirit, responds by obeying Jesus and being His witness (Acts 1:8).

Acts 2 describes the beginning of the church in three episodes. First, the Holy Spirit comes upon the Jesus-followers in Jerusalem, equipping them with the ability to teach the gospel in different languages (Acts 2:1–13). Second, Peter gives a public declaration using Old Testament prophecy to show Jesus is the long-awaited Jewish Messiah (Acts 2:14–36). Third, people believe. They repent, trust Jesus will forgive their sins, and agree to be baptized as a public sign that they are now Jesus-followers (Acts 2:37–47). That quickly, the church is born.

Acts 2 describes the creation of Jesus' church. Forty days after Jesus' resurrection He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9). One hundred and twenty disciples obeyed His command to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4, 2–15). In Acts 2, they receive the Holy Spirit and share the gospel with a crowd of people who have come to celebrate Pentecost. Three thousand believe, and the church comes to life. In the following chapters, Jesus-followers fulfill Jesus' promise that they will be His witnesses ''in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth'' (Acts 1:8).

The summary of the book of Acts is provided in Jesus' words in Acts 1:8: ''But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'' In Acts 2:1–13, the Christ-followers receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14—7:60 describes the rapid growth of the church in Jerusalem. Chapters 8—12 find Jewish persecution inadvertently spreading the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria. And in chapters 13—28, Paul and his companions spread the good news throughout the Roman Empire.