Inquisitive Greeks
Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of some strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. Acts 17:18
Read Psalm 135:15-21
Paul engaged the Athenians in conversation, which led to a discussion about the worship of deities. The people he debated with were philosophers from the schools of Epicurus and Zeno. Greece was well known for its various schools of philosophy. There were many free thinkers who promoted their unbiblical teachings, seeking to influence their followers. A few followers of Epicurus and Stoa, ancient teachers who lived four centuries before Christ, still existed in Athens and promoted their beliefs. These philosophers believed very different things about the gods than the biblical truths that Paul brought to the public forum.
Epicurus, for example, taught that man ought to enjoy as many earthly pleasures as possible in this life. They believed that the existing gods did not get involved with man’s life on earth, so their motto was to enjoy life to the fullest extent possible.
Paul brought a very different message; our earthly life is preparatory for the one that is to come. God in heaven took reasons out of Himself to provide for us by sending His only Son to save sinners like you and me. When the philosophers heard this message, they held Paul in contempt. In their haughtiness, they called him a babbler. We still see this air of superiority in others today when someone seeks to defend the Christian faith. When, for instance, you oppose a homosexual lifestyle on biblical grounds, you will be viewed with contempt.
Thought: In our society today, every religion is given just as much credibility as Christianity.
Psalter 415:3 (based on Psalm 25) Call to mind, O Lord Jehovah, Tender mercies manifold, And Thy store of loving kindness Which has ever been of old. Sins of youth remember not, Nor recall my hidden transgression; For Thy goodness sake , O God, Think of me in Thy compassion.