responses to resurrection

Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”

Acts 17:32

The central tenant upon which the Christian faith’s power and uniqueness rests is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without it there is no good news. With it there is a transforming, reality-transforming truth that changes everything. Because Jesus rose from the grave, every part of the gospel makes sense. And if He did not do so, He did not die for our sins either. That would have made Jesus just another religious scammer because He brazenly declared that the grave would not hold Him.

Paul preached the resurrection everywhere he went. He preached it boldly to Jews in synagogues across the Roman Empire. He also proclaimed it confidently to Gentiles as his sermon on the Athens Areopagus shows us here in Acts 17. The resurrection was a daily message of the early church, and not just an Easter Sunday focus. 

And just like they do today, the people who first heard Paul had mixed responses to the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. To some it was a ludicrous legend to be mocked. It was outlandish to believe any person had ever returned from death. Others turned by faith to this hope of the gospel. And this unique truth changed their lives, gave them perspective, and put them into obedience to a new Savior and Master. They would keep telling the story and Christian faith would keep expanding as the gospel brought good news to the world.

Thank You, Lord, for being the Defeater of death and sin. Thank you for bringing us peace with God. Your resurrection, Lord Jesus, gives me life. Death is a defeated foe because You have been raised from the dead! And I have believed You so that I too walk in a raised life right now, to know eternal life in You!

Amen