Acts 17:32 – “When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, ‘We want to hear you again on this subject.'”

Extended Explanation

Paul had just finished explaining to the people of Athens that God had set a day when He would judge the world through Jesus Christ, and that the proof of this truth was Jesus’ resurrection from the dead (Acts 17:31). Now, in this verse, we see how the crowd responds to his message.

The reaction was mixed:

• Some sneered – This means they mocked Paul. The idea of someone physically rising from the dead was completely ridiculous to them.
• Others were curious – They did not immediately believe, but they were interested enough to hear more.

Paul’s message about the resurrection was the dividing point. The Athenians were fine listening to discussions about philosophy, morality, and religion, but when Paul preached that Jesus had physically risen from the dead, some of them rejected it outright.

This is not surprising. Even today, the resurrection is one of the most controversial and dividing truths in Christianity. Many people are open to talking about Jesus as a great teacher, but the moment you claim that He literally rose from the dead, they resist. The resurrection forces people to make a decision—either Jesus is Lord, or He is not.

Historical Context

Athens was a city of philosophy and debate, home to some of the greatest thinkers in history, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The Athenians prided themselves on their knowledge and love of new ideas (Acts 17:21). However, their worldview had no place for the resurrection of the dead.

The two main philosophical groups Paul was speaking to had different reactions:

• The Epicureans believed that everything ended at death—there was no afterlife, no judgment, and no resurrection. To them, Paul’s message was foolishness.
• The Stoics believed in a form of spiritual survival, but they rejected the idea of a bodily resurrection.

So, when Paul preached about Jesus rising from the dead, many of them laughed at him. They could accept discussions about ethics and gods, but a physical resurrection was beyond what they could believe.

However, some people were interested. Even though they did not immediately believe, they wanted to hear more. This shows that while some people reject the gospel outright, others are drawn to it and need more time to process what they have heard.

Theological Implications

1. The resurrection is the key issue that divides people. Many will listen to discussions about religion or morality, but when it comes to Jesus rising from the dead, they either reject it or believe it (1 Corinthians 1:23).
2. People respond to the gospel in different ways. Some mock, some ignore, and some want to know more. It is not our job to control their response—our job is to share the truth (Matthew 13:3-9).
3. Faith requires an open heart. Those who mocked Paul had already decided that resurrection was impossible. But those who wanted to hear more were at least open to learning (Hebrews 11:6).

Literary Analysis

This verse is a turning point in Paul’s speech. Up until now, the Athenians have been listening politely. But the moment he speaks about the resurrection, their attitude changes.

• “Some of them sneered” – This is a sharp contrast to the curiosity they showed earlier. The idea of a resurrected Christ offends them.
• “But others said, ‘We want to hear you again on this subject.'” – This leaves room for hope. Some were willing to keep listening, which suggests that not all rejected the gospel immediately.

This verse is a real-life example of how people react to the gospel. Some reject it, others are interested, and some come to believe later.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 1:23 – “But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” The resurrection is a dividing issue.
• Luke 16:31 – “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'” Some people refuse to believe no matter what evidence they are given.
• Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Faith requires an open heart.
• Matthew 13:3-9 – The Parable of the Sower explains that different people respond to the gospel in different ways.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that people will respond to the gospel in different ways. Some will reject it, some will mock it, but others will want to learn more.

As believers, we should not be discouraged when people reject the message of Jesus. Even Paul, one of the greatest evangelists in history, had people laugh at him when he preached. But he also had people who were curious and willing to listen more—those are the ones we need to focus on.

This also teaches us the importance of patience in evangelism. Some people may not believe immediately, but that doesn’t mean they never will. They might need time to ask questions, hear more, and process what they’ve learned.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in the fact that He allows people to respond freely. He does not force anyone to believe—He presents the truth and gives them the opportunity to accept or reject it.

Even though some of the Athenians mocked Paul, God did not immediately judge them. He gave them the chance to hear the truth. This shows His patience and desire for all people to come to salvation (2 Peter 3:9).

God is also gracious to those who are seeking. The people who wanted to hear more were given the opportunity to learn. God does not rush people—He gives them time to seek Him and come to faith.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus Himself experienced mockery and rejection, just as Paul did. When He was on the cross, people laughed at Him (Matthew 27:39-44). Even after He rose from the dead, many still refused to believe (Matthew 28:11-15).

But the resurrection is the foundation of our faith:

• Jesus rose from the dead to prove He is the Son of God. Romans 1:4 – “And who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.”
• Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope. 1 Corinthians 15:17 – “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”
• Jesus calls people to faith, even when they doubt. John 20:27 – “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.'”

Paul’s message about the resurrection is not just an idea—it is the truth that changes everything. Jesus’ victory over death proves that He is Lord, and that all people must respond to Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think people are willing to discuss Jesus’ teachings but struggle to accept His resurrection?
2. How should we respond when people mock or reject the gospel?
3. What can we learn from those who wanted to hear more? How does this apply to evangelism?
4. How does this verse remind us of the importance of patience when sharing our faith?
5. How does Jesus’ resurrection change the way we understand life, death, and judgment?