Bible Strands
Acts 17:32
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.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses a gathering of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers at the Areopagus immediately after declaring that God will judge the world through an appointed man raised from the dead. The crowd reacts directly to his proclamation of bodily resurrection.
The words — The Greek term ἀνάστασιν (anastasin) literally means a resurrection, while ἐχλευάζον (echleuazon) describes the active mocking of some in the audience. These words mark the immediate division between dismissal and inquiry among listeners.
The thread — The text records this divided response alongside similar reactions in Jerusalem where skeptics mocked the early believers (Acts 2:13) and before King Agrippa when Paul defended the same doctrine (Acts 26:8). The pattern shows that proclamation of the dead raised to life consistently splits audiences into ridicule and curiosity.
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to observe that resurrection preaching naturally produces divided reactions rather than universal agreement. It asks listeners to weigh the evidence for themselves, as some chose to defer further instruction while others dismissed it outright.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
Cross-references
- Acts 17:18 Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection.
- Acts 26:8 Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
- Acts 2:13 But others mocked them and said, “They are drunk on new wine!”
- Acts 24:25 As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.”
- Acts 25:19 They only had some contentions with him regarding their own religion and a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
- 1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
- 2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!
- 2 Chronicles 36:16 But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.
- Luke 14:18 But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field, and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’
- Acts 17:31 For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”