Reference

Acts 2:13

Symbolic / Non-Fermented Wine Wine vs Strong Drink Distinction

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

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

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

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

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:

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

Related Verses

Acts 2:15

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

Acts 2:12

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

Acts 2:4

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Acts 2:16

“But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;”

Acts 2:11

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

Thematic Connections

Symbolic / Non-Fermented Wine Wine vs Strong Drink Distinction

Private Study Note

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