Acts 17:18
Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
Acts 17:18 (KJV)
Context
The book of Acts, written by Luke, records the spread of the gospel in the early church. In Acts 17, Paul is on his second missionary journey and arrives in Athens, the intellectual and philosophical centre of the ancient world. While waiting for his companions Silas and Timothy, he is deeply troubled by the city’s pervasive idolatry, which included altars and statues dedicated to many gods, even an altar to an “unknown god.” He disputes in the synagogue with Jews and devout persons, and daily in the marketplace with those who happen to be there.
Meaning
In Acts 17:18, Paul encounters two groups of philosophers: the Epicureans and the Stoics. The Epicureans followed the teachings of Epicurus, who advocated a life of pleasure and the pursuit of happiness. The Stoics adhered to Stoicism, which emphasised self-control, acceptance of fate, and virtue. These two schools were philosophical opposites, yet both confronted Paul.
Some dismissed him as a “babbler,” a term suggesting an idle babbler or a beggarly gatherer of scraps of learning, reflecting their view of him as a pseudo-intellectual. Others said he seemed to be a “setter forth of strange gods,” because he preached Jesus and the resurrection. The Greeks, accustomed to a pantheon of gods, naturally supposed that Jesus and the resurrection were two new deities. Some early interpreters, including Chrysostom, understood that they took “the resurrection” (Greek: anastasis) to be the name of a goddess, as the Greeks had erected altars to personified concepts like Shame, Famine, and Desire. Thus, they regarded Paul as introducing two foreign gods: Jesus and Anastasis.
Application
Acts 17:18 offers several lessons for Christians today:
Engaging with Culture: Paul’s encounter with the philosophers teaches the importance of engaging with the culture and worldview of those around us. Rather than isolating ourselves, we should enter into dialogue, understanding their perspectives and effectively communicating the message of Christ.
Persevering in the Face of Opposition: Paul faced scepticism and ridicule, but he continued to proclaim the truth. As believers, we may encounter opposition and mockery when sharing our faith, but we are called to persevere, relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and trusting that God will work through us.
Focusing on the Core Message: Despite being labelled a “setter forth of strange gods,” Paul’s central message was about Jesus and the resurrection. In our interactions, it is crucial to focus on the core message of the gospel—salvation through Jesus Christ—and not be discouraged by misunderstandings or distractions.
Recognising the Intellectual and Philosophical Landscape: Paul’s encounter reminds us to understand the intellectual and philosophical landscape of our society. By familiarising ourselves with various worldviews, we can effectively engage in conversations, addressing people’s questions and doubts with wisdom and grace.
Reflection
As we reflect on Acts 17:18, let us be encouraged to boldly proclaim the gospel, engage with the world around us, and trust in the transformative power of Christ’s message.
