How does Acts 17:32 compare to reactions in Matthew 28:17? Setting the Scenes • Acts 17 takes place in pagan Athens, where Paul addresses philosophers at the Areopagus. • Matthew 28 records the risen Jesus meeting His own disciples on a mountain in Galilee. Reaction in Athens (Acts 17:32) “ When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them mocked, but others said, ‘We want to hear you again on this topic.’ ” • Mockery: a dismissive, scoffing spirit toward bodily resurrection. • Curiosity: an openness that stops short of commitment—“We’ll listen again,” but no worship yet. Reaction in Galilee (Matthew 28:17) “ When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted.” • Worship: immediate recognition of the risen Christ, bowing in adoration. • Doubt: lingering hesitation even among eyewitnesses—an inner struggle, not rebellion. Points of Comparison • Mixed responses in both scenes: belief and unbelief coexist side-by-side. • Degree of exposure: – Disciples saw Jesus physically; Athenians only heard a message. – Greater revelation produces greater accountability (Luke 12:48). • Nature of unbelief: – Athens: intellectual scoffing rooted in worldview conflict (1 Corinthians 1:22-23). – Galilee: emotional hesitation amid overwhelming evidence (Luke 24:38-39). • Positive thread: – Athens: some express interest, leading to future converts like Dionysius and Damaris (Acts 17:34). – Galilee: worship of the majority solidifies the apostolic foundation for worldwide mission (Matthew 28:18-20). What These Responses Teach Us • The resurrection confronts every heart; it elicits either worship, doubt, or ridicule—never indifference (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). • God graciously meets honest seekers—Paul returns to the interested Athenians; Jesus dispels His disciples’ doubts (John 20:27-29). • Skepticism is answered not by argument alone but by the risen Lord’s revealed reality and the Spirit’s conviction (Acts 2:32-37). Application for Today • Expect varied reactions when proclaiming Christ risen; remain faithful like Paul and patient like Jesus. • If wrestling with doubt, draw nearer, not farther—examine the evidence, and invite the Lord to solidify faith (Jude 22-23). • Respond in worship, trusting the literal, victorious resurrection that guarantees our own (1 Thessalonians 4:14). |
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