On the day of Pentecost, following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles in preparation for the establishment of the Lord’s church. There was “a noise like a violent rushing wind,” and the apostles “began to speak with other tongues” (Acts 2:2, 4).
This sound caused a large crowd to gather, and they were “amazed and astonished” as they heard the apostles speak (Acts 2:6-7). As the apostles were speaking in tongues, the people did not hear something unintelligible to them (as is the case with those who claim to speak in tongues today); instead, the crowd that was made up of “men from every nation” heard “them speak in [their] own language” (Acts 2:5-6).
This was an incredible event. It was clear that something miraculous had taken place. Yet there were still people “mocking” and charging the apostles as being “drunk” (Acts 2:13, 15). If the apostles faced this type of opposition on the day of Pentecost, we should not be surprised when we face the same today, no matter how clear, convincing, and reasonable we try to be.
So remember that there will always be mockers. However, we must not allow that to deter us from carrying out the work the Lord has given us to do. Like the apostles, we need to continue speaking out and teaching those who are willing to listen.