Keraia
Acts 17

Acts 17:32

Paul’s Address in the Areopagus · Acts 17:22–34
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Translations

Modern
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this topic.”
Traditional
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
Literal
Now having heard of a resurrection of the dead, some indeed began mocking, but some said, “We will hear you concerning this again also.”
Latin
Cum audissent autem resurrectionem mortuorum, quidam quidem irridebant, quidam vero dixerunt: Audiemus te de hoc iterum.

Original

Greek
English
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this topic.”

Notes

Acts 17:32

The Athenians listened carefully to Paul until he spoke about the resurrection of the dead (17:31). At that point, some began to laugh and mock him. To Greek listeners, the idea of resurrection seemed foolish (see 1 Corinthians 15:12–19). In a similar way, the Jews in Jerusalem listened to Paul until he spoke about God accepting the Gentiles (Acts 22:22). Then they also rejected his message.

These examples show how the message of the good news can offend people because of their prejudices (strong opinions that keep them from accepting the truth; see 1 Corinthians 1:20–25).

Acts 17:16–34

In this chapter, we see Paul presented as a model witness for Christ, engaging the thinkers of his day and challenging them with the Christian message. Paul quoted writers his audience would be familiar with and showed the relevance of the gospel by dialoguing with them, critiquing their assumptions, and offering Jesus as a constructive alternative (see Colossians 1:28).

Paul reminded these proud intellectuals that there is a living God to whom all human beings are answerable; that they will be judged by him through Jesus, whom God raised from the dead; and that they should therefore repent and put their faith in Jesus.

Events

Glossary

Areopagus Athens Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) First Letter to the Thessalonians Jude, Letter of Mars’ Hill Pagans Paul the Apostle Stoicism, Stoics Travel

Topics

Athens: A City of Greece Infidelity: General Scriptures Concerning Mars' Hill: A Hill in Athens Paul: Debates on Mars' Hill (At the Meeting of the Areopagus Council) with Greeks Resurrection: General Scriptures Concerning Scoffing: General Scriptures Concerning Scoffing: The Athenians Scorning and Mocking: Athenians Scorning and Mocking: The Wicked Indulge In, Against: The Resurrection of the Dead The Resurrection: The Preaching of, Caused: Mocking