Book of Acts - Chapter 2 - Verse 15
Meaning
When Peter declared to the crowd on the day of Pentecost that those who were speaking in tongues were not drunk, it was because it was only the third hour of the day, which was around 9:00 in the morning. In Jewish culture, it was not customary to drink wine or be drunk so early in the day. Peter wanted to assure the crowd that the disciples were not under the influence of alcohol, but rather filled with the Holy Spirit, which was why they were speaking in different languages. This verse serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and it is important to look beyond initial assumptions to understand the true nature of a situation. In this case, the disciples' behavior was not due to drunkenness, but rather a manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the verse "For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day" (Acts 2:15) focuses on the miraculous nature of the events happening at Pentecost. The disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, were speaking in tongues and praising God in a way that appeared confusing and even chaotic to those observing. The bystanders accused the disciples of being drunk, but Peter quickly corrected them, pointing out that it was only the third hour of the day, too early for people to be intoxicated. This verse highlights the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit and the transformative power it brings to believers. It also serves as a reminder that God's ways are not always understood by the world, but they are ultimately for His glory and the spread of the Gospel.