The Gnostic Problem in Early Christianity
Gnosticism was one of those developments of religious thought that, although finally rejected by Christians as heretical, played a major part in the formation of Christian theology during the first three centuries of the Church’s life, writes S.G.F. Brandon.
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When the apostle Paul first Came to Athens, he seems clearly to have sensed the drama of his situation. He believed himself to be the apostle divinely appointed to bring the new faith in Jesus, which had originated in Judaea, to the non-Jewish peoples of the Roman Empire. He understood, too, when he came to Athens, that he was at the heart and source of that wonderful Hellenic culture that all races then admired and strove to imitate.
When, therefore, he was given the opportunity by certain Stoic and Epicurean philosophers of explaining his new faith at the Areopagus, according to the testimony of the Acts of the Apostles, he presented his case with great care and considerable skill.1 He complimented the Athenians on their piety, evidenced by the superb monuments of their city, and he adroitly quoted from one of their poets.
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