Are Christians Crazy (Acts 2: 13-36)

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Welcome

In this episode, we address a common perception that Christians can be a bit odd or even irrational. Drawing from Acts 2:13-36, we examine how early Christians faced similar accusations and how Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, responded to these charges. Through this scriptural lens, we will uncover valuable lessons on how to handle misunderstandings and accusations about our faith.

Key Points:

• Understanding the Perception:
  • Many new converts hear from friends, "What happened to you? You used to be fun, and now all you do is read your Bible and go to church."
  • Friends and family might think they've lost their minds because they no longer engage in the same activities.
• Historical Context:
  • On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled the believers, some onlookers thought they were drunk because of their unusual behaviour.
• Peter's Response:
  • Peter stands up and addresses the crowd, denying the accusation of drunkenness and providing a rational explanation.
  • He cites the prophecy from Joel to explain that the events were a fulfilment of God's promise.
• Lessons from Peter's Response:
  • Address misconceptions directly.
  • Provide a rational explanation.
  • Ground your response in Scripture.
• Application for Today:
  • When faced with accusations or misunderstandings about our faith, follow Peter's example.
  • Use Scripture to provide a reasoned and respectful answer.
  • Share the truth of God's Word, even if people think it’s irrational.
• The Power of Scripture:
  • Peter's use of Old Testament prophecy demonstrates the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
  • The Word of God is living and powerful, capable of transforming hearts and minds.
• Jesus' Death and Resurrection:
  • Peter shifts the focus to Jesus, emphasizing His miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection.
  • Christianity is unique because it proclaims a living founder—Jesus Christ—who was dead but is now alive.
• The Ascension and Exaltation:
  • Jesus' ascension and exaltation to the right hand of God.
  • The outpouring of the Holy Spirit as a fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy.
• Engaging with Objections:
  • When faced with objections, respond with calmness, clarity, and Scripture.
  • Focus on the core message of Christianity—Jesus' death and resurrection.

Conclusion: Peter's sermon in Acts 2 provides a model for how to respond to accusations with truth and grace. By addressing misconceptions directly, providing rational explanations, and grounding our responses in Scripture, we can effectively share the hope that is within us. Let’s stand up, speak out, and trust God to work through our words, just as Peter did on the day of Pentecost.

Thank you for joining us today. Let's continue to explore the depth and richness of God's Word together.

Transcript

Are Christians Crazy.  (Acts 2:13-36)

Transcript:

Some people think that we Christians are just a little bit odd. I can't count how many times I've heard from new converts that their friends said, "What happened to you? You used to be fun, and now all you do is read your Bible and go to church." Their friends sometimes think they’ve lost their minds because they no longer do the things they used to do. 

Others think Christians are crazy because they don’t believe in what they call facts, meaning they don’t recognise that the bible is the word of God but merely a collection of stories. 

I wonder if anyone ever thought you were just a little bit off-center because you are a Christian? But probably the more important question is, how do you handle that, how did you respond?

There was a situation in the Bible where a group of people thought some Christians, were out of their minds (high even) but not in the modern sense, but they definitely thought these Christians were drunk. 

Today, I want to share how that situation was handled. Actually, I believe here are many spiritual lessons in this passage, but one of the most helpful is how to handle it when people think you’re crazy for being a Christian.

With that in mind, let's me welcome you to today episode…….

Turn to Acts chapter 2, and I'll begin reading from verse 13.

Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

(Acts 2:12-13)

Remember this passage continues on from yesterday and the events which occurred on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit filled the believers, and they began speaking in tongues. 

This unusual event caused quite a stir, leading some onlookers to accuse them of being drunk.

People were bewildered by this strange behavior and thought the disciples were intoxicated.

Peter stands up to address the crowd, notice his response.

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

(Acts 2: 14-18)

Peter addresses the crowd respectfully and immediately denies their assumption. He explains that it’s only nine in the morning—a time when people typically do not get drunk. This simple, factual denial sets the stage for his further explanation.

Peter goes on to clarify that what they are witnessing is in fact the fulfilment of prophecy:

By referring to the prophecy from Joel, Peter shifts their focus and he provides a scriptural basis for what is happening, grounding the events in the Word of God.

From Peter’s response, I think we learn an important lesson on how to handle accusations or misunderstandings about our faith. Here are a few steps based on Peter’s example:

·        Address the Misconception: Directly: Peter immediately denies the false assumption that the disciples were drunk.

·        He also provides a rational explanation: He explains why the assumption is incorrect (it’s too early to be drunk).

·        Her refers to scripture: Peter uses the prophecy from Joel to explain the true nature of the event, grounding his explanation in the Word of God.

So, when people think you’re crazy for being a Christian, maybe just follow Peter’s example. Address their misconceptions directly, provide a rational explanation, and ground your response in scripture. 

It quite simply really isn’t it. This approach not only clarifies the situation but it also opens up an opportunity to share the truth of God’s Word. 

Remember, being filled with the Spirit might look strange to people, but it is a powerful testimony of God’s presence in our lives.

This is a crucial lesson for us. When people say you're crazy for being a Christian, give a reasonable answer for the hope that is within you. In fact, Peter himself instructs us in his first letter to the church to be, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Returning to Peter's response, after denying that the disciples were drunk, he provides a scriptural explanation for what did happen.

16 This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.

17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions,

your old men will dream dreams. 

18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.

20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

(Acts 2:16-21)

Peter explains that what the crowd witnessed was not intoxication but the fulfilment of prophecy. Joel had prophesied that in the last days, God would pour out His Spirit on all people. This event marked the beginning of those last days. The Holy Spirit was no longer reserved for a select few, for a specific purpose but was now available to everyone—sons, daughters, young, old, servants, and free.

In the New Testament, the "last days" he refers to here begins with the coming of Christ. As the writer of Hebrews says, "In these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son" (Hebrews 1:2). Joel’s prophecy is being fulfilled now, starting with the coming of Christ and continuing with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Peter also mentions the supernatural signs prophesied by Joel: wonders in the heavens, signs on the earth, the sun turned to darkness, and the moon into blood. But these signs were not all present on this day of Pentecost. How then can Peter say that Joel’s prophecy is fulfilled?

Peter is explaining that these signs will occur throughout the whole period known as the "last days," which will culminate in the second coming of Christ. The initial fulfilment began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the complete fulfilment will be seen at the end of times.

Peter’s primary point in quoting Joel is to emphasize the opportunity for salvation: And it closes by telling us that, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

This is the core of Peter’s message. He wants his listeners to understand that this is not about being drunk but about fulfilling God’s promise, and that salvation is available to all who call on the name of the Lord.

So, when facing accusations or misunderstandings about our faith, can I suggest you follow Peter’s example. First, provide a reasonable denial. Second, refer to Scripture to explain the truth. Don't be afraid to quote Scripture, even to those who do not believe in it, because the Word of God is powerful in and of itself.

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.".

(Hebrews 4:12)

When engaging with those who challenge your faith, remember that logic alone might not persuade them. While being reasonable is important, it is God’s Word that truly transforms hearts. Do not hesitate to quote Scripture, even if people think you are irrational because of it. The power of God’s Word can break through their scepticism in ways human reasoning cannot.

Consider the situation Peter faced. The crowd accused the disciples of being drunk, yet Peter responded by quoting Scripture. He will do this two more times in his sermon, and the result will be astonishing—three thousand people will be saved. This teaches that despite what people say, the Word of God still holds transformative power.

Peter’s strategy involves three key steps:

1.   Denial: He denies the accusation of drunkenness.

2.   Scripture: He uses Scripture to explain what is happening.

3.   Proclamation: He boldly proclaims the truth about Jesus Christ.

After explaining the coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter shifts abruptly to focus on Jesus.

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him: “‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ 29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.

(Acts 2:22-31)

Peter’s transition might seem sudden, but it’s a deliberate move to emphasize the core message: Jesus Christ.

Peter in this passage outlines four critical points about Jesus and his life and ministry:

1.   Miracles: Jesus was a man attested by God through miracles, wonders, and signs. These miracles were proof of His divine mission, and the people were witnesses to them.

2.   Crucifixion: Jesus was crucified according to God’s predetermined plan. This verse uniquely combines divine sovereignty and human responsibility. God’s purpose was fulfilled through the free actions of men.

3.   Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: This paradox is seen throughout all of scripture. For example, the Trinity (one God in three persons) and the dual nature of Christ (fully God and fully man). These are mysteries beyond our full comprehension, yet both truths are affirmed repeatedly in the Bible.

4.   Resurrection: God raised Jesus from the dead. Peter supports this claim by quoting Scripture, specifically Psalm 16

One of the most distinctive characteristics of Christianity, as compared to all other religions, is the resurrection of its founder.

If you were asked to give in one sentence the distinctive characteristic that makes Christianity different from all religions of the world. I believe we can sum up the one outstanding thing which sets it apart from all the rest by the following brief resume: Christianity alone has a living founder and author."

All other religions have founders who are deceased, but Christianity alone proclaims that its founder, Jesus Christ, was dead and is now alive. 

The emblem of the world’s religions is a sealed tomb, while the symbol of Christianity is an empty cross and an empty tomb. This unique difference highlights the exceptional message of Christianity: the resurrection.

Peter's sermon in Acts 2 emphasizes these key points about Jesus, illustrating the distinctiveness of Christianity:

Finally the resurrection: God raised Jesus from the dead, fulfilling Scripture. Peter quotes Psalm 16 to demonstrate that the Messiah would not see corruption, a prophecy fulfilled by Jesus’ resurrection.

The Ascension and Exaltation of Jesus

Peter continues by explaining Jesus' ascension and exaltation:

Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

(Acts 2:33)

Jesus, after His resurrection, ascended to heaven and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. From this exalted position, He poured out the Holy Spirit, as witnessed on the day of Pentecost. This outpouring was the fulfilment of the prophecy in Joel 2, further proving Jesus' divine authority and mission.

Peter concludes his sermon by declaring the deity and Messiahship of Jesus:

34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand

35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”

36“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”."

( Acts 2:36):

In calling Jesus "Lord," Peter is attributing to Him the divine title reserved for God, affirming His deity. By calling Him "Christ," Peter confirms that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. This declaration encapsulates the core of Peter’s message: Jesus is both God and Savior.

Peter’s sermon is a model of scripture-based evangelism. He explains three major passages from the Old Testament—Joel 2, Psalm 16, and Psalm 110—demonstrating the scriptural basis for Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Peter's reliance on Scripture underscores the importance of knowing and using God’s Word when it comes to sharing the gospel.

As believers, we often focus on the New Testament, but Peter’s sermon shows the richness and relevance of the Old Testament in understanding and proclaiming the gospel. A deeper knowledge of the Old Testament can greatly enhance our ability to demonstrate the continuity and fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

Many Christians have a lack a deep understanding of the Old Testament. And perhaps for some studying Peters sermon here highlights the need to engage more deeply with the Old Testament.

In a remarkable display of readiness and depth of knowledge, Peter, on the spur of the moment, delivered a brilliant exposition of Scripture. He responded to accusations of drunkenness with a reasonable and biblically grounded explanation, demonstrating that the crucified, resurrected, and ascended Jesus is the Messiah.

Lessons from Peter’s Response:

·        Scriptural Basis: Peter used Scripture to answer objections and point to Christ. This teaches us the importance of knowing the Bible and being ready to use it in our conversations.

·        Contextual Understanding: We should strive to understand passages in their broader context. This Book of Acts, is about the continuing work of the Lord through the Holy Spirit. This context helps us see the significance of Peter’s sermon as part of God’s ongoing mission.

·        Cooperating with God: The Book of Acts illustrates how God works through the Holy Spirit and through individuals. Peter's actions show that we must stand up and speak out to participate in God's work

So, when we encountering objections or hostility toward Christianity, there are three possible options:

1.   Silence: We might choose to say nothing, avoiding disturbance. However, this approach misses opportunities to share the truth.

2.   Subject Change: We might speak but avoid the topic of faith. While this avoids conflict, it also avoids meaningful conversation about the gospel.

3.   Engagement: The best approach is to calmly and straightforwardly address objections, using Scripture to explain our beliefs and point to Jesus.

Peter demonstrated the third option perfectly and shows how to turn objections into opportunities to talk about Jesus, focusing on the cross and resurrection. Similarly, we should look for ways to share the gospel, even when faced with opposition.

When confronted with accusations, Jesus also handled them with calmness and clarity. In John 8, the Pharisees accused Jesus of being demon-possessed. Jesus responded by denying the charge and honouring His Father. Then He made bold claims about His identity and mission, also demonstrating how to handle opposition with truth and grace.

Key Points for Us Today:

Reasonable Denial: When faced with false accusations, we should calmly and reasonably deny the charges.

Scriptural Reference: We should always bring the conversation back to Scripture, using it as our foundation.

Focus on Jesus: Regardless of the opposition, our goal should be to talk about Jesus—His death, resurrection, and offer of salvation.

Peter’s sermon is a powerful example of how to respond to objections with a focus on Scripture and the message of Jesus. Whether we face a receptive audience or not, our role is to stand up, speak out, and share the gospel. By doing so, we give God something to use in the hearts of people.

When people challenge our faith, we should always try and respond as Peter and Jesus did—calmly, reasonably, and biblically. 

By focusing on the core message of Christianity—Jesus' death and resurrection—we participate in God's work and provide others with the opportunity to hear the truth. 

So, let’s stand up, speak out, and trust God to work through our words, just like was demonstrated in this passage today by Peter….