Acts 17:32-34
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The mocking response isn't just about disbelief; it's a knee-jerk reaction rooted in intellectual pride, causing them to reject everything Paul said because of this one "stumbling block." The others who wanted to hear more didn't necessarily fully believe, but their willingness to reconsider shows a much more open heart than the proud mockers.
Paul has just shared his message with the Athenians, drawing parallels to their own beliefs and pointing them toward the unknown God. However, when he brings up the resurrection of the dead, the crowd splits: some erupt in scorn, dismissing it as foolishness, while others express a more measured interest, wanting to hear more later. This sharp division marks the climax of Paul's speech, showing how this core Christian doctrine was met with both ridicule and intrigue by the educated Gentiles.
When Paul spoke about Jesus' resurrection, the crowd in Athens didn't all react the same. Some laughed, while others wanted to hear more. This shows us that core truths often divide people.
The Uncomfortable Truth
The resurrection of the dead, especially the resurrection of Jesus, was a radical concept for the Athenian philosophers.
This division highlights how the gospel message acts like a filter, exposing people's deepest assumptions and beliefs.
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Paul stood before the Areopagus, a place of deep intellectual debate. Yet, when the core of the gospel—the resurrection—was met with scorn, he didn't stay to argue. What does this tell us about his mission?
Proclaiming the Unashamed Core
Paul's primary mission was to proclaim Jesus Christ and His resurrection. He had carefully laid the groundwork, speaking about the unknown God to gain a hearing. However, the resurrection was non-negotiable.
Paul's willingness to leave the mockers behind demonstrates his focus on those God would draw to Himself, rather than trying to convince the determinedly resistant.
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.
episteusan · Greek Verb
To place one's full trust, reliance, and commitment in God and His message, specifically the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is an active, ongoing response of the heart that results in salvation and a transformed life.
Paul's address to the Athenians highlights the stark contrast between the Christian message of resurrection and the prevailing philosophical views of the time, particularly Epicureanism and Stoicism, revealing the cultural and intellectual barriers to the Gospel.
c. 33 AD
Pentecost and the early church
The Holy Spirit empowers believers, leading to the formation of the early church in Jerusalem. The resurrection of Jesus is the central message.
c. 45-49 AD
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas travel through Asia Minor, establishing churches and facing opposition. The core message remains the resurrection of Christ.
c. 50-52 AD
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul revisits churches and travels to Greece, including Athens, where he engages with philosophers.
c. 51-52 AD— this verse
Paul preaches in Athens
Speaking to the Areopagus, Paul skillfully addresses Athenian philosophers, referencing their altars to unknown gods before proclaiming the Gospel and the resurrection of Jesus.
c. 52 AD
Paul departs Athens for Corinth
Following the mixed reception in Athens, Paul leaves the city, highlighting the challenge of communicating the resurrection message to a Hellenistic audience.
This passage echoes the Athenian reaction by calling the message of the cross foolishness to some and a stumbling block, highlighting the divisive nature of the gospel message throughout history.
John 6:60Jesus' teaching on the Bread of Life also caused many of His disciples to find His words hard and turn away, illustrating how profound spiritual truths can be rejected by those unwilling to accept them.
Acts 2:13This verse directly compares the mocking reaction in Athens to some of the crowd in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, showing that scoffing at new spiritual claims is a recurring human response.
1 Corinthians 15:12The Apostle Paul himself had to address disbelief regarding the resurrection of the dead within the Corinthian church, indicating that this doctrine was a point of contention and confusion even among believers.
Matthew 13:18-23The parable of the sower provides a framework for understanding the varied responses to the message, including those who hear but do not understand, those who are choked by life's worries, and those who truly bear fruit.
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 mocking response isn't just about disbelief; it's a knee-jerk reaction rooted in intellectual pride, causing them to reject everything Paul said because of this one "stumbling block." The others who wanted to hear more didn't necessarily fully believe, but their willingness to reconsider shows a much more open heart than the proud mockers.
Paul has just shared his message with the Athenians, drawing parallels to their own beliefs and pointing them toward the unknown God. However, when he brings up the resurrection of the dead, the crowd splits: some erupt in scorn, dismissing it as foolishness, while others express a more measured interest, wanting to hear more later. This sharp division marks the climax of Paul's speech, showing how this core Christian doctrine was met with both ridicule and intrigue by the educated Gentiles.
Paul has just shared his message with the Athenians, drawing parallels to their own beliefs and pointing them toward the unknown God. However, when he brings up the resurrection of the dead, the crowd splits: some erupt in scorn, dismissing it as foolishness, while others express a more measured interest, wanting to hear more later. This sharp division marks the climax of Paul's speech, showing how this core Christian doctrine was met with both ridicule and intrigue by the educated Gentiles.
"Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite…" — The mocking response isn't just about disbelief; it's a knee-jerk reaction rooted in intellectual pride, causing them to reject everything Paul said because of this one "stumbling block." The others…
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