Sermon Application of Acts 2:13 in Evangelism
Sermon Application of Acts 2:13 in Evangelism
Acts 2:13 records the reaction of some people to Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost: "Others mocking said, 'They are full of new wine'" [1]. This verse is part of the narrative describing the events following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The literary context of Acts 2:13 is the Pentecost event, where the disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, speak in tongues, and Peter preaches to the crowd. The surrounding verses describe the amazement and confusion of the crowd, with some people mocking the disciples, thinking they are drunk [1].
The historical setting is Jerusalem during the Pentecost festival, a time when Jews from various nations have gathered. The event marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, as it is the first time the disciples preach to a large crowd after Jesus' resurrection [1].
The key term here is "new wine" (Greek: γλεῦκος, gleukos), which refers to sweet, unfermented wine, but in this context, is used to mock the disciples, implying they are drunk [1].
The major exegetical decision revolves around understanding the reaction of the crowd. Some interpreters see the mocking as a sign of the crowd's hardness of heart, while others view it as a natural response to the unusual phenomenon of speaking in tongues.
Various traditions interpret Acts 2:13 differently. For instance, some see the mocking as an opportunity for Peter to clarify the situation and preach further, emphasizing that the disciples are not drunk but filled with the Holy Spirit [3]. Others focus on the contrast between the mockers and those who are receptive to the message, highlighting the importance of being open to the work of the Holy Spirit.
In sermon application, Acts 2:13 can be used to illustrate the challenges faced by early Christian evangelists and the importance of being prepared to respond to skepticism and mockery. Preachers can draw parallels between the crowd's reaction and contemporary responses to the gospel, emphasizing the need for clarity and conviction in presenting the message [4].
The passage also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the disciples to speak boldly and perform signs, which is a key theme in Acts. This can be applied in evangelism by emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to share their faith effectively [2].
Furthermore, the contrast between the mockers and those who are receptive can be used to encourage believers to be sensitive to the needs and responses of their audience, being prepared to address objections and concerns [5].
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 2:13 cross-references: Psalms 22:7, Psalms 73:27, Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 24:15, Isaiah 43:6, Isaiah 49:12, Isaiah 57:19, Isaiah 60:4, Isaiah 60:9, Isaiah 66:19, Jeremiah 16:19, Acts 2:39, Acts 15:14, Acts 22:21, Acts 26:18, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:9, Romans 8:1, Romans 15:8, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:12, Ephesians 2:16, Ephesians 2:19, Ephesians 3:5, Colossians 1:13, Colossians 1:20, Hebrews 9:18, 1 Peter 1:18, 1 Peter 3:18, Revelation 5:9”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:13 cross-references: Psalms 119:43, Joel 2:28, Mark 16:15, Luke 11:13, Luke 24:49, John 1:17, John 6:27, John 14:16, John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7, Acts 1:4, Acts 2:16, Acts 2:33, Acts 13:26, Romans 1:16, Romans 4:11, Romans 6:17, Romans 10:14, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 2 Corinthians 6:7, Galatians 3:14, Ephesians 2:11, Ephesians 4:21, Ephesians 4:30, Colossians 1:4, Colossians 1:21, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 2:19, 2 Timothy 3:15, Titus 2:11, Hebrews 2:3, James 1:18, 1 Peter 2:10, Revelation 7:2”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 2:13: suddenly--as if only waiting till their fellow had done. with the angel--who retires not, but is joined by others, come to seal and to celebrate the tidings he has brought. heavenly host--or "army," an army celebrating peace! [BENGEL] "transferring the occupation of their exalted station to this poor earth, which so seldom resounds with the pure praise of God" [OLSHAUSEN]; to let it be known how this event is regarded in heaven and should be regarded on earth.”
- 1 Thessalonians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Thessalonians 2:13: Here observe, I. The apostle makes mention of the success of his ministry among these Thessalonians (Th1 2:13), which is expressed, 1. By the manner of their receiving the word of God: When you received the word of God, which you heard of us, you received it, not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God. Where note, (1.) The word of the gospel is preached by men like ourselves, men of like passions and infirmities with others: We have this treasure in earthen vessels. The word of God, which these Thessalonians received, they heard from ”
- 2 Thessalonians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Thessalonians 2:13: Here observe, I. The consolation the Thessalonians might take against the terrors of this apostasy, Th2 2:13, Th2 2:14. For they were chosen to salvation, and called to the obtaining of glory. Note, When we hear of the apostasy of many, it is matter of great comfort and joy that there is a remnant according to the election of grace which does and shall persevere; and especially we should rejoice if we have reason to hope that we are of that number. The apostle reckoned himself bound in duty to be thankful to God on this account: We are bound to give thank”