Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's so striking here is that the core of Paul's message – the resurrection – wasn't just met with polite disagreement, but with outright mockery by some. The others' polite dismissal, "We will hear you again," wasn't necessarily genuine interest; it was a way to end the conversation, leaving the crucial message about Jesus hanging in the air, unheard by those who refused to truly listen.
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul has just shared his message with the Athenians, using their own philosophers and altars as a springboard to talk about the God they don't know. When he directly addresses the resurrection of the dead—specifically, Jesus' resurrection—the crowd splits: some dismiss him with scorn, while others express a desire to hear more later. Paul, sensing their division and likely the impending departure of many, doesn't linger to debate, but leaves them to ponder what they've heard.
Ever wonder why some people instantly dismiss profound truths while others lean in, wanting to know more? Paul's experience in Athens reveals two very different reactions to the Gospel.
Two Reactions to the Resurrection
When Paul shared the incredible news of the resurrection, the crowd in Athens split into two distinct groups:
This immediate division highlights how the core message of Christianity – the resurrection of Jesus – acts as a spiritual litmus test, revealing the heart's posture toward God.
Paul didn't shy away from the resurrection, even though it was the most controversial part of his message. Why was this doctrine so crucial?
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The Non-Negotiable Core
The resurrection of Jesus isn't just a truth of Christianity; it's the truth upon which everything else hinges. Paul understood this.
Understand the original words
anastasin · Greek Noun
The act of being physically restored to life after death. In Christian theology, it is the fundamental event that signifies God's victory over death and the validation of Christ's sacrifice, serving as the "firstfruits" of the future resurrection for all believers.
echleuazon · Greek Verb
To express contempt, ridicule, or derision toward a message or person. In a biblical context, it often characterizes the response of those who reject the truth of the gospel due to pride or worldly wisdom.
The Athenians' divided reaction—some mocking, others curious—highlights the starkly different worldviews present in Greco-Roman society and the challenging nature of the resurrection message for those steeped in philosophies that denied it.
c. AD 49-51
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
After facing opposition in Athens, Paul moved to Corinth, where he spent a significant amount of time ministering and establishing a strong church community.
c. AD 50-52
Paul Writes 1 & 2 Corinthians
While in Corinth, Paul penned his letters to the church there, addressing various issues and reinforcing his apostolic authority.
c. AD 52
Paul's Departure from Corinth
Paul left Corinth to return to Jerusalem, a journey that involved stops in other cities and continued ministry.
c. AD 57
Paul Writes 2 Corinthians from Macedonia
During his third missionary journey, Paul wrote his second letter to the Corinthians, reflecting on his ministry and the challenges he faced.
c. AD 60
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome Begins
After being arrested in Jerusalem and sent to Rome for trial, Paul spent his final years under house arrest, continuing to write letters and share the gospel.
c. AD 62
Paul Writes Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon
During his Roman imprisonment, Paul penned several influential letters that continue to shape Christian theology and practice today.
c. AD 64
Paul's Death
Tradition holds that Paul was martyred in Rome during Emperor Nero's persecution of Christians. His death marked the end of his prolific missionary and writing ministry.
This passage highlights the central theme of the resurrection of Jesus being a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others, mirroring the reaction in Athens.
Matthew 13:18-23Jesus' parable of the sower illustrates the different responses to the message of the Gospel, showing how some seeds (messages) fall on rocky ground or are snatched away, similar to the mocking and postponing reactions in Acts 17.
Acts 2:13This verse describes a similar reaction of mockery from some in the crowd on the day of Pentecost when Peter spoke about the resurrection, showing this wasn't an isolated incident.
John 11:48The religious leaders' fear that Jesus' signs (including the resurrection of Lazarus) would cause people to believe in Him, leading to Roman intervention, shows a similar resistance to belief based on miraculous events.
Acts 26:8Paul recounts his defense before King Agrippa, asking 'Why is it thought incredible by you that God should raise the dead?' This directly echoes the incredulity faced in Athens regarding the resurrection.
ellicottActs 17:32: "And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter."
(32) Some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again. —The word “mocked” implies look and gesture, as well as words, of derision. (See Note on Acts 2:13 .) We may venture to assume that the mockers were found chiefly among the Epicureans, and that the inquirers, perhaps putting off the inquiry to a “more convenient season,” were Stoics, who wished to hea…
pooleActs 17:32: "And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter."
Some mocked; the Epicureans, whom Paul had spoken against in his doctrine of the resurrection from the dead, and judgment to come. Others said, We will hear thee again of this matter; it is thought the Stoics, who did not think the resurrection to be impossible, but did acknowledge rewards and punishments in the world to come; yet, though this seem most likely…
What's so striking here is that the core of Paul's message – the resurrection – wasn't just met with polite disagreement, but with outright mockery by some. The others' polite dismissal, "We will hear you again," wasn't necessarily genuine interest; it was a way to end the conversation, leaving the crucial message about Jesus hanging in the air, unheard by those who refused to truly listen.
Paul has just shared his message with the Athenians, using their own philosophers and altars as a springboard to talk about the God they don't know. When he directly addresses the resurrection of the dead—specifically, Jesus' resurrection—the crowd splits: some dismiss him with scorn, while others express a desire to hear more later. Paul, sensing their division and likely the impending departure of many, doesn't linger to debate, but leaves them to ponder what they've heard.
Paul has just shared his message with the Athenians, using their own philosophers and altars as a springboard to talk about the God they don't know. When he directly addresses the resurrection of the dead—specifically, Jesus' resurrection—the crowd splits: some dismiss him with scorn, while others express a desire to hear more later. Paul, sensing their division and likely the impending departure of many, doesn't linger to debate, but leaves them to ponder what they've heard.
"Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”" — What's so striking here is that the core of Paul's message – the resurrection – wasn't just met with polite disagreement, but with outright mockery by some. The others' polite dismissal, "We will hea…
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Last reviewed October 2026