Why The Babbler?

The title The Babbler comes from Acts 17:18, where some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in Athens dismissed the Apostle Paul as a “babbler” when he preached the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. The Greek word—spermologos—was a term of ridicule, suggesting Paul was an idle talker or someone spreading ideas they considered trivial or beneath them.

Initially curious, they said, “You bring some strange things to our ears; we wish to know therefore what these things mean” (Acts 17:20, ESV), but changed their tone at the mention of Jesus’ resurrection.

I chose the title with a touch of self-deprecating humor. A faithful witness about God and the Gospel often sounds foolish to those shaped by worldly thinking or intellectual pride. But it’s also a reminder that truth, spoken in love and grounded in Scripture, still has the power to cut through skepticism and transform lives.

When Paul spoke at the Areopagus (Mars Hill), some mocked—but others believed and joined him. This blog is my small attempt to reflect on God’s Word, grow in understanding, and share what I’m learning—one verse, one theme, one reflection at a time.

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than men.”
1 Corinthians 1:25 (ESV)

Read the following to learn more about The Babbler’s origins.
The Babbler's Journey Part 1: A City Full of Idols
The Babbler’s Journey Part 2: Always Learning, Never Knowing

About the Author:
I'm Vic Costello—a husband, father, grandfather, church elder, media educator, and most importantly, a disciple of Jesus Christ and student of God's Word. I created The Babbler to share reflections grounded in Scripture, written with a desire to encourage, challenge, and stir deeper love for Christ. This blog isn’t a platform for expertise, but a space for personal devotion, honest exploration, and expressions of biblical truth spoken in love—one verse at a time.