Pentecost is not drunkenness. On the day of Pentecost, described in Acts 2, all the disciples were gathered together when the sound of a mighty wind filled the room, and tongues of fire appeared over each of them. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak in other languages. The crowd was amazed to hear their own native tongues spoken clearly by Galileans — an unmistakable miracle of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–11).
In their amazement, some asked the vital question: “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:12). They were witnessing the supernatural power of Pentecost but could not grasp its meaning. This was the moment when curiosity opened the door for understanding.
However, not everyone responded with awe. Some mocked and said, “They are filled with new wine” (Acts 2:13). Even in the face of the Pentecost miracle, skepticism found its voice. How do you convince someone you’re not drunk when they already believe you are? You start by confronting the false assumption.
Peter’s Defense of Pentecost
Peter, one of the witnesses of Pentecost, stood and addressed the crowd: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. These people are not drunk, as you suppose” (Acts 2:15). Peter then used the Scriptures and history to explain the meaning of Pentecost. He showed that this event was not a drunken spectacle but the fulfillment of God’s promise — the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
By the end of Peter’s sermon, it was clear that Pentecost was not a day of confusion, but a day of salvation. The mockers, moved by his words, were “cut to the heart” and asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter’s answer was direct: Repent! — change your mind and your direction.
That day, about three thousand people responded to the message of Pentecost. They turned from mockery to belief, from rejection to faith, and from misunderstanding to salvation. Pentecost transformed their lives forever.
The Lesson of Pentecost for Us Today
A Rwandan proverb says, “Inquiry opens the knowledge fountain.” One of the lessons is obvious: never mock what you do not understand. Be willing to ask, seek, and listen.
What happened on Pentecost was not drunkenness but christian. Thousands need to know that Christianity is not drunkenness, it is not colonialism, it is not outdated, and not foolishness as some continue to claim. No. As Peter declared, what happened was Salvation- God's gift to humanity. And even if it were considered foolishness, it would still be God's foolishness, always greater than the wisdom of men.