Acts 2:13 – “Some, however, made fun of them and said, ‘They have had too much wine.’”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

After the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost, and they began speaking in different languages (Acts 2:4-12), the crowd reacted in two different ways. Some people were amazed and wanted to understand what was happening (Acts 2:12), while others mocked and dismissed it.

This verse shows the second group—those who refused to believe and made fun of what they saw. Instead of recognizing the miracle, they accused the disciples of being drunk. This reaction was not based on logic or evidence, because being drunk does not give people the ability to speak in foreign languages they have never learned.

This verse is a reminder that when God moves powerfully, some people will believe, but others will mock and reject it. Even when the truth is clear, some hearts remain closed.

Historical Context

The Jewish festival of Pentecost brought thousands of people from different regions to Jerusalem. Many of them had traveled long distances and spoke various languages. The disciples were miraculously speaking in these languages, but not everyone recognized it as a work of God.

• Drunkenness was not unusual during festivals, but it was very unlikely at this time of the morning. Peter later responds to this accusation in Acts 2:15, saying, “These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!” Jewish custom discouraged drinking before the morning prayers, making the accusation even more absurd.
• This reaction shows the hardness of some hearts—Instead of being open to what God was doing, they made fun of it to avoid dealing with the truth.

This rejection was similar to how people reacted to Jesus’ miracles. Some believed, while others accused Him of using demonic power (Matthew 12:24).

Theological Implications

Acts 2:13 highlights several important truths about how people respond to God:

1. Not Everyone Will Believe – Even when faced with a clear miracle, some people choose to mock rather than believe. Faith is not just about seeing evidence—it’s about having a heart that is open to God.
2. Spiritual Blindness is Real – Some people refuse to acknowledge God’s power, even when it is obvious. This is why Jesus often spoke about those who have “ears but do not hear” (Mark 8:18).
3. Opposition to God’s Work is Common – Throughout history, people have ridiculed those who follow God. Just as the disciples were mocked, today’s Christians should expect to face opposition and rejection.
4. God’s Power is Not Always Recognized Immediately – Some of the same people who mocked in this verse may have later believed after Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:37-41). This shows that even those who initially reject God’s work can still come to faith.

Literary Analysis

This verse contrasts two different reactions to Pentecost:

• Acts 2:12 – Some were amazed and asked, “What does this mean?”
• Acts 2:13 – Others mocked and dismissed the event as drunkenness.

This contrast highlights the division that always occurs when God moves—some people seek the truth, while others reject it.

The phrase “made fun of them” suggests not just doubt, but intentional mockery and ridicule. It was not a sincere question, but a way to avoid taking the event seriously.

The accusation “They have had too much wine” is an attempt to explain away the miracle with a natural excuse. People often do this today, looking for ways to deny God’s work rather than accepting it.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 12:24 – The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan instead of recognizing God’s power.
• 1 Corinthians 1:18 – “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
• John 15:18-20 – Jesus told His disciples that the world would hate and reject them just as it rejected Him.
• Acts 17:32 – When Paul preached about Jesus’ resurrection, some mocked him while others wanted to hear more—just like at Pentecost.
• 2 Peter 3:3-4 – Peter warns that in the last days, scoffers will come, mocking the truth.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Acts 2:13 is a reminder that mockery and rejection are part of following Christ.

• People Will Mock the Truth – Even when we share the gospel clearly, some people will make fun of it. This should not discourage us.
• We Must Stay Faithful – The disciples did not argue with their mockers. Instead, Peter boldly preached the truth (Acts 2:14-41). When people reject God’s work, we should respond with patience and truth, not anger or fear.
• Some Who Mock Now May Believe Later – Many who rejected Jesus or mocked the disciples later became believers. We should never give up on people, because God can change hearts.
• The Holy Spirit is the Key – The mockers in this verse could not understand what was happening because they did not have the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, spiritual things seem foolish (1 Corinthians 2:14).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows that even when people mock God’s work, He is patient and still offers them grace.

• God did not strike down the mockers—Instead, He allowed them to witness the miracle and hear Peter’s sermon.
• Some of these very people may have come to faith after hearing the truth explained (Acts 2:37-41).
• God’s love is persistent—Even those who reject Him at first can still receive forgiveness if they repent.

This is a reminder that God does not give up on people, and neither should we.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Acts 2:13 is similar to how Jesus Himself was mocked and rejected:

• Mark 15:29-32 – Jesus was ridiculed as He hung on the cross. People mocked Him, saying, “Save yourself!” even though He was dying to save them.
• Luke 23:34 – Even as He was mocked, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
• John 7:5 – Even Jesus’ own brothers did not believe in Him at first, but later they became followers.

The rejection of the disciples at Pentecost follows the same pattern. Jesus warned that His followers would be treated just as He was (John 15:20).

However, just as Jesus’ rejection led to salvation for the world, the disciples’ rejection at Pentecost led to the preaching of the gospel and the salvation of thousands (Acts 2:41).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think people mocked the disciples instead of recognizing the miracle?
2. Have you ever been mocked or ridiculed for your faith? How did you respond?
3. How should we handle people who make fun of Christianity today?
4. What are some ways people still try to “explain away” God’s work instead of believing?
5. How can we stay faithful in sharing the gospel, even when some reject it?

Acts 2:13 is a reminder that when God moves, not everyone will believe—but that should not stop us from sharing the truth. Some will mock, but others will listen, and God is still at work in both cases. Like Peter and the disciples, we are called to stand firm and keep proclaiming the good news.