In the context of the Bible, scoffing refers to mocking or derisive behavior, often directed towards spiritual truths or messengers of God. The Athenians, as depicted in the New Testament, provide a notable example of this behavior, particularly in their interaction with the Apostle Paul.

Biblical Account

The primary account of the Athenians' scoffing is found in the Book of Acts. During Paul's second missionary journey, he arrives in Athens, a city renowned for its intellectual pursuits and philosophical debates. Acts 17:16-34 provides the narrative of Paul's experience in Athens, where he encounters a culture steeped in idolatry and philosophical speculation.

Paul's spirit is provoked by the city's pervasive idolatry, and he begins to reason with both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogue, as well as daily in the marketplace with those who happen to be present (Acts 17:17). His message eventually attracts the attention of some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, who bring him to the Areopagus, a prominent place for discussion and debate.

The Areopagus Address

At the Areopagus, Paul delivers a profound sermon, addressing the Athenians' religious practices and introducing them to the "unknown god" they worship in ignorance. He proclaims the one true God, the Creator of the universe, who does not dwell in temples made by human hands and who commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:24-30).

Paul's message culminates in the proclamation of Jesus Christ and His resurrection from the dead. It is at this point that the Athenians' response is divided. Acts 17:32 states, "When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, 'We want to hear you again on this topic.'"

Cultural and Philosophical Context

The Athenians' scoffing can be understood within the context of their cultural and philosophical background. Athens was a hub of intellectual activity, home to various schools of thought, including the Epicureans and Stoics mentioned in the account. The Epicureans generally denied the afterlife and divine intervention, while the Stoics emphasized rationalism and self-sufficiency. Both philosophies would have found the concept of bodily resurrection, as preached by Paul, to be absurd or offensive.

The Athenians' reaction reflects a broader pattern of skepticism and mockery that often accompanies the proclamation of the Gospel, especially when it challenges deeply held beliefs or cultural norms. Their scoffing is emblematic of the resistance faced by early Christians as they spread the message of Christ in a world dominated by pagan philosophies and religious pluralism.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Athenians' scoffing serves as a reminder of the spiritual blindness that can accompany intellectual pride and reliance on human wisdom. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God, which is often deemed foolishness by those who are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).

The incident in Athens underscores the necessity of divine revelation and the work of the Holy Spirit in opening hearts and minds to the truth of the Gospel. Despite the scoffing, some individuals, such as Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, believed and joined Paul, illustrating that even in the face of mockery, the Gospel has the power to transform lives.

Conclusion

The account of the Athenians' scoffing in Acts 17 highlights the challenges faced by early Christians in communicating the message of Christ to a skeptical and philosophically diverse audience. It serves as a testament to the enduring tension between human wisdom and divine revelation, a theme that continues to resonate in the proclamation of the Gospel today.Acts 17:32
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear you again of this matter.
Nave's Topical Index

The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
... Notwithstanding all their enormous defects, hard, egotistical, scoffing, cruel,
narrow, subtle ... Socrates was the glory of the Athenians, who would not suffer him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter iv the order of.htm

Of the Last Resurrection.
... Scoffing men will deride the narrative which is given by the Evangelist as ... And,
certainly, since the Athenians mocked Paul for asserting the resurrection (Acts ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 25 of the last.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead
... It was this which stirred the curiosity of the Athenians when Paul preached among
them ... Now ye can scoff and jeer; there will be no scoffing or jeering then: you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the resurrection of the dead.htm

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Scoffing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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