Reference

Acts 2:13

Symbolic / Non-Fermented WineWine vs Strong Drink Distinction
“Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.”
11

Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

12

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

13

Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

14

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

15

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

Counter-Arguments

The strongest case that this verse does not belong in this theme.

Symbolic / Non-Fermented Wine

The Greek word used here is *gleukos* (γλεῦκος), which specifically refers to "sweet new wine" or "must" that has begun to ferment but is not yet fully fermented. While it is "new," it is not necessarily unfermented grape juice. The implication of being "full of new wine" in this context is intoxication, suggesting at least some level of alcoholic content. The mocking tone further supports the idea that they were perceived as drunk, which would not be the case with unfermented grape juice.

Wine vs Strong Drink Distinction

The verse only mentions "new wine" and does not introduce or contrast it with any other type of alcoholic beverage, thus providing no basis for distinguishing between wine and strong drink. The statement is about the perceived intoxication of the men, not a classification of beverages.

Symbolic / Non-Fermented Wine
Symbolic / Non-Fermented Wine

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 14:23Thematic

“If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?”

2 Samuel 6:16Thematic

“And as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.”

1 Corinthians 14:23Thematic

“If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?”

Ephesians 5:18Thematic

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

1 Samuel 1:13Thematic

“Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.”

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Thematic Connections

Symbolic / Non-Fermented WineWine vs Strong Drink Distinction

Private Study Note