Definition: And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this [matter].
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 17:32. It’s a really important passage about how Jesus’ ministry in the early church was received. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: When people first heard about Jesus having risen from the dead – that he'd conquered death – some of them started to question him, even mock him. Others were excited and wanted to hear more about this incredible event. Let’s unpack it further: “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead…” This means people who had believed in Jesus and understood his teachings were now learning a new fact: He was physically alive after he had been crucified. It's a foundational part of Christian belief – that Jesus conquered death! “…some mocked:” This is a simple statement about negativity. People felt uncomfortable or surprised by this news. They might have said things like, “Wow, he’s still alive?” or “That’s amazing!” “And others said, We will hear thee again of this [matter].” This is the key part. These people weren't necessarily happy about Jesus rising. They were intrigued and wanted to know more. They recognized the significance of this event – it was a turning point in history and a promise of hope. They wanted to understand why it happened, what it meant, and how it would affect the world. Overall Meaning: The verse shows that Jesus’ resurrection wasn't just an amazing miracle; it opened up a whole new way of thinking about life, death, and God’s power. It created excitement and curiosity – and it sparked debate among those who initially didn't believe. Why is this important? It highlights that faith isn’t always easy. Even when we expect something to be true, people might have questions or doubts. Jesus’ resurrection challenged existing beliefs and set the stage for a new movement in Christianity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Acts 17? Give you a bit more context about what this event was like in the early church?