Topical Bible: The Resurrection: The Preaching of, Caused: Mocking

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Topical Encyclopedia

The preaching of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central tenet of Christian faith, affirming the victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life for believers. However, this proclamation has historically been met with skepticism and ridicule by some audiences, as evidenced in the New Testament.

Biblical Context

The Apostle Paul, a fervent proponent of the resurrection, encountered mockery during his missionary journeys. In Acts 17, Paul addresses the Areopagus in Athens, a city known for its philosophical pursuits and diverse religious beliefs. He presents the resurrection as the cornerstone of his message, declaring, "For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead" (Acts 17:31). The response to Paul's message was mixed. While some were intrigued and wanted to hear more, others mocked him, as recorded in Acts 17:32: "When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, 'We want to hear you again on this subject.'"

Cultural and Philosophical Challenges

The concept of resurrection was particularly challenging for Greek audiences, who were influenced by Platonic thought that often viewed the physical body as inferior to the spiritual realm. The idea of bodily resurrection clashed with their philosophical understanding, leading to derision. This cultural backdrop highlights the radical nature of the Christian message and the challenge faced by early evangelists in communicating the truth of the resurrection.

Theological Implications

Despite the mockery, the preaching of the resurrection remained a non-negotiable aspect of the apostolic witness. Paul emphasizes its importance in 1 Corinthians 15, where he argues that without the resurrection, the Christian faith is futile: "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith" (1 Corinthians 15:14). The resurrection is not merely an event of the past but a present reality that empowers believers and assures them of their future hope.

Responses to Mockery

The early Christians, undeterred by ridicule, continued to proclaim the resurrection with boldness. Their steadfastness in the face of opposition serves as a testament to their conviction and the transformative power of the resurrection. The mocking they endured is a reminder of the countercultural nature of the Gospel message, which calls for faith in the unseen and challenges worldly wisdom.

Conclusion

The preaching of the resurrection, while a source of hope and joy for believers, has historically provoked skepticism and mockery from those who find it difficult to accept. This reaction underscores the radical and transformative nature of the Christian message, which continues to challenge and invite individuals to faith in the risen Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Shadow of Death
... Doubtless the first preaching rested, as in the case of ... the faith of the apostles
in the resurrection was based on ... by a series of divinely caused and therefore ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the shadow of death.htm

The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... but there shall be no such miraculous resurrection of the ... It caused "his sweat to
be, as it were, great ... This kind of preaching or writing is the ready way to ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm

Acts II
... It was this thought which caused the exultation of the ... This was sufficient, as to
the resurrection. ... throughout the course of apostolic preaching, that they ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... by transgression; so his transgression caused him to ... and who could make an eloquent
preaching, needed nevertheless ... and preach after the resurrection until they ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... If they were branded for desperate wretches that caused their children to pass through
the fire to Moloch, surely thou much more that gives thy soul to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... there contracted those dispositions which caused the diversities of ... not believed
now through the preaching of the ... must believe and hold the resurrection of the ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

The Doctrine
... "Do we then make void the law through faith," or preaching of the ... And Ishmael
dishonouring his father in mocking Isaac was cast out, as we read (Genesis 21:9, ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... are the men appointed by Jesus Christ to make sinners, by their preaching, meet
for ... of grace which God did put upon the apostles after the resurrection of our ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... regeneration alludeth; that is, if you be born again by seeking those things that
are above, then there is a similitude betwixt Christ's resurrection and the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

part ii
... as the decree of the Heavenly Father, which, through the resurrection of Christ ... and
great forgiveness, for the healing of deep, spiritual wounds caused by sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm