PREACHERS AND PHILOSOPHERS

Paul the apostle ministered briefly in Athens, Greece (see Acts 17:16-34). Among his hearers were Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, men renown for their intellectual and logical abilities. When they heard Paul preach, they heard a doctrine new to them and contrary to their philosophies. They derided him as a “babbler”. Desiring to discuss this doctrine with Paul, they escorted him to one of their favorite meeting places, the Areopagus, which the Romans called Mars Hill. This was the ancient judgment seat of Athens, where Socrates had been condemned 300 years earlier.

Paul showed no interest in their philosophies. He did not enter into dialogue with them. Rather, Mars Hill became Paul’s pulpit. He politely acknowledged their religious fervor and ignorance of the One he preached, and then reinforced the doctrine that was contrary to their philosophies. When they mocked him and his doctrine, he departed them, leaving them to their philosophical discussions.

One can imagine what the philosophers said about Paul and his doctrine in his absence. It was probably the same things philosophizers say today about gospel preachers and their doctrine in online blogs, forums, and chat rooms.

– DEP