Acts 17:32
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)
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The verse highlights that the resurrection of the dead was the pivotal, and most challenging, point for the Athenians. While some immediately resorted to mockery, the others' polite deferral, "We will hear you again," wasn't necessarily genuine interest but a way to sidestep a doctrine that fundamentally clashed with their worldview.
Paul has just finished presenting his argument on the Areopagus, speaking of the unknown God and the creation of all things. When he pivots to the resurrection of the dead, specifically hinting at Jesus' resurrection as the proof, the crowd's reaction splits dramatically. Some immediately dismiss and ridicule the idea, while others express a tentative interest, deferring further discussion for another time.
Some heard the news of the resurrection and scoffed. Why would the most hopeful message in history be met with derision?
The resurrection of Jesus, the very cornerstone of Christian faith, was the point where Paul's eloquent speech to the Athenians dramatically fractured.
Reason vs. Revelation
Philosophical Athens, particularly the Epicureans, valued reason above all else. For them, life was about pleasure and the absence of pain, with no afterlife. The idea of a physical resurrection was absurd, even laughable. It clashed with their entire worldview.
An Offense to Pride
As Bengel notes, the resurrection became a 'stumbling-block' because it challenged their intellectual pride. It wasn't just a strange idea; it was an offense to their carefully constructed systems of thought. This highlights a timeless tension: God's truth often appears foolish to those who trust only in their own understanding.
While some walked away mocking, others paused. What does it mean to say, 'We will hear you again about this'?
Not everyone reacted with scorn. A significant portion of the crowd, likely influenced by Stoic philosophy which allowed for some form of afterlife, responded with a deferral.
A Genuine, Yet Delayed, Interest
Commentators suggest these were the Stoics, who, while not fully grasping or accepting the resurrection, were more open than the Epicureans. Their response wasn't outright rejection but a postponement: 'We will hear you again.' This indicates a recognition that Paul's message, though foreign, held weight.
The Apostle's Departure
Paul, sensing the division and perhaps the superficiality of the 'hear you again' response (as Clarke and Meyer imply, comparing it to Felix's evasion), didn't press further. He had presented the core of the gospel, and their reaction revealed the soil of their hearts. While some hearers were like fertile ground, others were rocky or thorny, or in this case, mocking.
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.
Paul's encounter in Athens showcases the stark contrast between the vibrant philosophical schools of the day and the radical message of the resurrection. The varied reactions – mockery from Epicureans who denied any afterlife, and hesitant curiosity from Stoics open to spiritual concepts – reveal how the gospel challenged deeply ingrained worldviews, forcing people to confront their deepest beliefs about life and death.
c. AD 49
Paul expelled from Athens
While not explicitly mentioned in Acts, the Apostle Paul likely visited Athens during this period. Archaeological evidence suggests his subsequent expulsion from the city may have occurred due to unrest caused by his preaching.
c. AD 50
Paul preaches in Corinth
After his initial, less successful visit to Athens, Paul moved to Corinth, a major Roman hub. Here, he experienced more fruitfulness in his ministry, establishing a stronger church community.
c. AD 51
Paul writes 1 Thessalonians
This letter, one of Paul's earliest, reflects concerns of the Thessalonian church, including questions about believers who had died before Christ's return. It shows the ongoing theological discussions in the early church.
c. AD 51-52
Paul before Gallio in Corinth
Paul was brought before the proconsul Gallio on charges of religious disturbance. Gallio dismissed the case, providing a period of relative stability for Paul's ministry in Corinth.
This passage echoes the Athenian reaction, highlighting that the message of the cross (and by extension, the resurrection) is foolishness to some and a stumbling block to others, but power to believers.
1 Corinthians 15:12-15Paul directly confronts the skepticism about the resurrection, showing that if Christ has not been raised, the Christian message is baseless and preaching it is futile.
Matthew 13:3-9This parable of the sower illustrates the different receptions of God's word, mirroring the Athenians' varied responses – some hardened (mocking), others open to further consideration ('hear again'), and some receptive.
Acts 2:13This verse shows a similar immediate reaction of mockery from a crowd towards the apostles' preaching on the resurrection, indicating this was not an isolated phenomenon.
Luke 24:40-41Jesus himself shows his disciples his resurrected body, addressing their disbelief and doubt, which parallels the Athenians' struggle to grasp 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…
The verse highlights that the resurrection of the dead was the pivotal, and most challenging, point for the Athenians. While some immediately resorted to mockery, the others' polite deferral, "We will hear you again," wasn't necessarily genuine interest but a way to sidestep a doctrine that fundamentally clashed with their worldview.
Paul has just finished presenting his argument on the Areopagus, speaking of the unknown God and the creation of all things. When he pivots to the resurrection of the dead, specifically hinting at Jesus' resurrection as the proof, the crowd's reaction splits dramatically. Some immediately dismiss and ridicule the idea, while others express a tentative interest, deferring further discussion for another time.
Paul has just finished presenting his argument on the Areopagus, speaking of the unknown God and the creation of all things. When he pivots to the resurrection of the dead, specifically hinting at Jesus' resurrection as the proof, the crowd's reaction splits dramatically. Some immediately dismiss and ridicule the idea, while others express a tentative interest, deferring further discussion for another time.
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c. AD 54
Paul writes 1 Corinthians
Paul addressed various issues in the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and doctrinal misunderstandings. He strongly defends the resurrection of believers as foundational to the faith.
c. AD 57
Paul writes 2 Corinthians
This letter further elaborates on Paul's ministry and authority, likely written after his challenging experiences in Corinth. It implicitly addresses the importance of spiritual realities beyond the physical.
c. AD 60
Paul appeals to Caesar, journey to Rome
Facing ongoing opposition, Paul appealed his case to Rome. His subsequent journey and shipwreck are detailed, highlighting the challenges faced by early Christian missionaries.
"Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”" — The verse highlights that the resurrection of the dead was the pivotal, and most challenging, point for the Athenians. While some immediately resorted to mockery, the others' polite deferral, "We wil…
