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Acts 17

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

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.

And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

So Paul departed from among them.

Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

What does Acts 17:19 mean?

Explanation

Acts 17:19 presents a scene where the Apostle Paul is brought to the Areopagus in Athens to explain a teaching, or doctrine, that was unfamiliar to the Athenian philosophers.

Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill, was a place of council where matters of law, philosophy, and politics were discussed.

The verse underscores the Athenians' curiosity about Paul's message, reflecting their interest in new ideas and teachings. Yet, there is an underlying tone of scrutiny, as they seem to question the validity and origins of Paul's message, which presented the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Historical Context

During the time of Acts 17:19, Athens was a renowned center for learning and philosophy, home to influential philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

The Areopagus was a significant location in Athens with a long history as a court of law and a council for discourse on matters of high importance.

By the time of the Apostle Paul, it had also become a venue for philosophical discussions.

The Athenians were known for their intellectual curiosity, often seeking out and entertaining new ideas.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this passage illustrates the universality of the gospel message and the challenges faced by early Christian missionaries like Paul in communicating it.

The Areopagus symbolizes a platform for debating and understanding religious ideas, suggesting that Christianity, like other belief systems of the time, had to be defended and explained to diverse audiences.

The different theological viewpoints might focus on the nature of evangelism, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy through the coming of Christ, and the reception of the Christian message in a pluralistic society.

Practical Applications

The interaction in Acts 17:19 serves as an example for modern believers on how to engage with cultures that may be unfamiliar with or skeptical of Christian teachings.

It encourages respectful dialogue and readiness to explain one's beliefs when questioned.

It also exemplifies the need for Christians to be knowledgeable about their faith to communicate it effectively in diverse settings.

Cross-References

Acts 17:22-23 - Paul then addresses the council of the Areopagus about their religious beliefs and his own message.
1 Peter 3:15 - "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."
Acts 17:16-18 - The context leading up to Paul being brought to the Areopagus, discussing how the Athenians and foreign visitors spent their time discussing new ideas.

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek of Acts 17:19 include:

"Ἀρείου πάγου" (Areíou págou) referring to Areopagus or Mars Hill.
"διδαχή" (didachē), which means "doctrine" or "teaching." This indicates the substance of what Paul was proclaiming.
"ξένη" (xénē), which translates to "strange" or "foreign," indicating that Paul's message was unfamiliar to the Athenians.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Athenian practice of discussing new philosophies and foreign deities parallels other ancient cultures' dedication to religious and philosophical pluralism.

For example, the Romans often adopted the gods and goddesses of conquered peoples into their own pantheon.

In contrast, Judaism and early Christianity held more exclusive theological views, with a focus on monotheism and specific doctrines about God and salvation.

Scientific Perspectives

While Acts 17:19 does not directly engage with scientific content, the reference to a council known for intellectual debate invites reflection on the interplay between science and religion.

In ancient times, philosophy and science were closely linked, and the commitment to rational inquiry in places like the Areopagus laid groundwork for the development of scientific thinking.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 17:19 often emphasize the cultural engagement of the apostle Paul, highlighting his willingness to interact with Greek philosophy and rhetoric on its own turf.

Scholars may also note the significance of the Areopagus council as a symbol of the gospel's confrontation with the prevailing thought systems of the time.

Some note Paul's skillful adaptability in using the Athenians' own altar to an "unknown god" as a starting point for his proclamation of the Christian God.

Acts 17

Acts 17

What does Acts 17:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 17:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?