What is the definition of Acts 17:18?

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

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Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Acts 17:18. It’s a really interesting and complex verse that points to a significant moment in early Christianity! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms:
The Basic Idea:
This verse describes a situation where people who were known for their philosophical ideas – specifically Epicureanism and Stoicism – were meeting with Jesus. And they started questioning him about his message, particularly about the idea of God.
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
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“Certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics…”
: This refers to groups of people who believed in a specific set of principles – like seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, or living according to reason and nature. They were deeply concerned with the 💎nature💎 of the universe. 💎
“…and some said, What will this babbler say?”
: This is a critical question. “Babbler” means someone who speaks in riddles or makes outlandish claims. The people were puzzled by Jesus's teachings. 💎
“Other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.”
: This is where it gets really interesting. They started interpreting Jesus’s words as pointing towards something 💎beyond💎 the ordinary – something like a god. They were seeing him as suggesting the existence of a divine being – specifically, the belief in God – through his teachings. The word "setter forth" means to introduce or present something new, and here, they were introducing a concept that wasn’t traditionally accepted. Crucially, they were also mentioning the resurrection - a very important concept in Jewish tradition.
So, what's happening?
The people weren't just confused; they were actively challenging Jesus's message. They believed he was trying to introduce a new and potentially dangerous idea – the existence of gods – which could disrupt their established worldview.
Why is this important?
This passage is a key part of how early Christians understood Jesus. It highlights that Jesus wasn’t just teaching about morality or good deeds; He was also challenging the very foundations of human belief. He was presenting a spiritual truth that went beyond what people already believed, and it created conflict with those who held traditional views.
In essence:
Jesus was deliberately creating a conversation that raised important questions about faith, doubt, and the nature of reality – which ultimately played a vital role in shaping the early Christian church. ---
Do you want me to:
💎 Explain this verse in more detail? 💎 Discuss the context of this passage within the broader story of Jesus’s ministry? 💎 Explore what this encounter might have meant for the Jewish community at the time?