Topical Bible: Reviling and Reproaching: Athenian Philosophers

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of the New Testament, the act of reviling and reproaching is often associated with the opposition faced by early Christians as they spread the Gospel. The Apostle Paul’s encounter with Athenian philosophers provides a notable example of this dynamic, as recorded in the Book of Acts.

Biblical Context

The Apostle Paul, during his second missionary journey, visited Athens, a city renowned for its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Acts 17:16-34 provides the account of Paul’s engagement with the Athenian philosophers. While waiting for his companions, Paul was deeply troubled by the idolatry he observed in the city. This prompted him to reason with both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogue, as well as daily in the marketplace with those who happened to be there.

Encounter with Philosophers

Paul’s teachings soon attracted the attention of certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. Acts 17:18 states, "Some of the 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."

The term "babbler" (Greek: σπερμολόγος, spermologos) used by the philosophers is a derogatory expression, implying that Paul was a scavenger of ideas, picking up scraps of knowledge without true understanding. This reviling reflects the skepticism and disdain with which the Athenian intellectuals viewed Paul’s message.

Areopagus Address

Despite the initial reproach, Paul was brought to the Areopagus, a prominent council in Athens, to explain his teachings more fully. In his address, Paul skillfully engaged with the cultural and religious context of his audience. He acknowledged their religiosity and even quoted their own poets to build a bridge for the Gospel message. Acts 17:22-23 records, "Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: 'Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you.'"

Response and Reproach

Paul’s proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus was met with mixed reactions. Acts 17:32 notes, "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 subject.'" The mockery from some of the philosophers underscores the reviling nature of their response, as the concept of bodily resurrection was foreign and even absurd to the Greek philosophical mindset, which often viewed the material world as inferior to the spiritual.

Significance

The encounter with the Athenian philosophers highlights the challenges faced by early Christians in communicating the Gospel across cultural and intellectual barriers. The reviling and reproaching by the philosophers serve as a testament to the resistance and skepticism that the message of Christ often encountered. Yet, it also illustrates the Apostle Paul’s commitment to engaging with diverse audiences, using wisdom and cultural awareness to present the truth of the Gospel.

This episode in Athens is a reminder of the enduring call for Christians to be prepared to face opposition and misunderstanding, while faithfully proclaiming the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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 seems to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached to them Jesus, and the resurrection.
Torrey's Topical Textbook