Acts 17:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} they took {G1949} him {G846}, and brought him {G71} unto {G1909} Areopagus {G697}, saying {G3004}, May {G1410} we know {G1097} what {G5101} this {G3778} new {G2537} doctrine {G1322}, whereof {G5259} thou {G4675} speakest {G2980}, is?

Complete Jewish Bible

They took and brought him before the High Council, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?

Berean Standard Bible

So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, where they asked him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?

American Standard Version

And they took hold of him, and brought him unto the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:19 captures a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's ministry in Athens, where the intellectually curious and philosophically diverse Athenians, intrigued yet perplexed by his proclamation of Jesus and the resurrection, bring him to the Areopagus. This summons, driven by their insatiable desire for novelty and intellectual discourse, represents both a challenge to Paul's "new doctrine" and an unparalleled opportunity for the Gospel to confront the prevailing pagan philosophies of the ancient world in a public forum.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's second missionary journey, specifically during his time in Athens. Having been compelled to leave Berea due to Jewish opposition ([Acts 17:10-15](/acts/17-10-15 "Paul's Ministry in Berea")), Paul arrives in Athens, a city steeped in idolatry and philosophical debate. The immediate preceding verses describe Paul's deep distress over the city's pervasive idolatry ([Acts 17:16](/acts/17-16 "Paul's Spirit Stirred in Athens")) and his subsequent engagement in daily discussions in the synagogue with Jews and devout Gentiles, and in the marketplace (agora) with various philosophers, including Stoics and Epicureans ([Acts 17:17-18](/acts/17-17-18 "Paul Debates in the Synagogue and Marketplace")). His preaching about Jesus and the resurrection was perceived as a "new doctrine," prompting the Athenians, characterized by their constant pursuit of "some new thing" ([Acts 17:21](/acts/17-21 "Athenian Curiosity")), to invite him to the Areopagus for a more formal explanation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Athens was the intellectual and cultural heart of the Greek world, renowned for its philosophical schools (Plato's Academy, Aristotle's Lyceum, Zeno's Stoa, Epicurus's Garden), its democratic institutions, and its countless idols and altars. The Areopagus, or Mars Hill, was a prominent rocky outcrop near the Acropolis, historically functioning as the site of the ancient Athenian high court (the Council of the Areopagus), which had jurisdiction over religious, moral, and educational matters. While its judicial power had diminished by Paul's time, it remained a respected public forum for philosophical discussion and the examination of new ideas. The Athenians' intellectual pride and their penchant for debating novel concepts meant that Paul's message of a crucified and resurrected Messiah would have been profoundly counter-cultural, particularly the concept of bodily resurrection, which was often ridiculed by Greek philosophical thought as absurd.
* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes significantly to several key themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **clash of worldviews**, specifically between the Gospel message and the prevailing Greek philosophical systems. Paul's encounter underscores the challenge of proclaiming Christ in a highly intellectualized, yet spiritually blind, environment. Secondly, it exemplifies **divine providence and missionary strategy**. Despite the initial skepticism and intellectual curiosity, Paul's summons to the Areopagus provided an unparalleled platform for him to articulate the Christian message to influential thinkers, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in opening doors for the Word to be heard in unexpected and significant places. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **uniqueness and disruptive nature of the Gospel**, which was considered "new doctrine" because it offered a radically different understanding of God, humanity, sin, and salvation compared to anything the Athenians had encountered. The subsequent discourse in [Acts 17:22-31](/acts/17-22-31 "Paul's Areopagus Speech") further develops these themes, showcasing Paul's masterful ability to engage with diverse audiences while remaining faithful to the core truths of the Christian faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Areopagus (Greek, _Áreios Págos_):** Literally meaning "Hill of Ares" (Mars in Roman mythology), this term refers to a specific place in Athens. In this context, it signifies not just a geographical location but a recognized public forum, historically associated with judicial and religious oversight, where new teachings could be formally presented and scrutinized. Its name underscores the cultural and religious landscape of Athens, dedicated to various deities.
* **new (Greek, _kainós_):** This adjective describes something as "new" in quality, kind, or freshness, rather than merely recent in time (for which the Greek word _neos_ would be used). When the Athenians refer to Paul's "new doctrine," they are not simply saying it's a recent teaching, but that it is fundamentally different, unprecedented, and perhaps even revolutionary compared to their established philosophies and religious practices. It implies a qualitative distinction that demands attention and examination.
* **doctrine (Greek, _didachḗ_):** Derived from the verb "to teach" (_didaskō_), this noun refers to instruction, teaching, or the content of what is taught. The Athenians' use of this term indicates their understanding that Paul was presenting a structured body of thought, a coherent system of beliefs, rather than just random utterances. Their desire to "know what this new doctrine...is" reflects their intellectual approach to Paul's message, seeking to categorize and understand its tenets within their existing philosophical frameworks.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus":** This phrase describes the physical action of the Athenians. "Took him" (G1949 _epilambánomai_) implies seizing or laying hold of, but in this context, it's not a hostile arrest but rather a purposeful escort, a formal invitation to a specific location. They "brought him" (G71 _ágō_) to the Areopagus, indicating a deliberate movement to a public and prestigious venue suitable for intellectual discourse and the examination of new ideas, rather than a casual street corner.
* **"saying, May we know what this new doctrine":** This clause reveals the Athenians' motivation. Their inquiry, framed as "May we know" (G1410 _dýnamai_ + G1097 _ginṓskō_ - "Are we able to know?"), expresses a desire for comprehension and intellectual engagement. They are curious about the "new doctrine" (G2537 _kainós_ G1322 _didachḗ_), highlighting their insatiable thirst for novel ideas and their intellectual approach to spiritual matters. They want to understand the content and implications of Paul's teaching.
* **"whereof thou speakest, [is]?":** This final part of the verse specifies the source of the "new doctrine." The Athenians identify Paul as the one "whereof thou speakest" (G5259 _hypó_ G4675 _soû_ G2980 _laléō_). This indicates that Paul had already been publicly proclaiming his message in the marketplace, drawing their attention. The implicit question "what [it] is?" underscores their desire for a full exposition of the nature and tenets of this unfamiliar teaching.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Paul's renowned Areopagus speech in the subsequent verses ([Acts 17:22-31](/acts/17-22-31 "Paul's Areopagus Speech")), which becomes a masterclass in contextualized evangelism. There is also an element of **Irony** in the Athenians' request; while they are intellectually curious and pride themselves on seeking truth, their focus on "newness" and philosophical debate often prevents them from recognizing divine truth when it is presented. Their question, "May we know what this new doctrine...is?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question** that invites Paul to elaborate, providing him with a unique platform. Furthermore, the scene presents a **Contrast** between the prevailing intellectualism and polytheism of Athens and the singular, transformative truth of the Gospel Paul proclaims.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:19 serves as a crucial bridge, transitioning Paul's informal marketplace discussions into a more structured, public confrontation with Athenian intellectualism. Theologically, it underscores the universal call of the Gospel to all peoples, regardless of their philosophical or cultural background, and demonstrates the necessity of engaging with diverse worldviews. It highlights the inherent tension between human wisdom and divine revelation, as the Athenians' intellectual curiosity, while providing an opening, also presented a significant barrier to spiritual understanding. The "new doctrine" Paul preached was not merely another philosophy to be debated but the life-transforming truth of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the resurrection of Jesus, which challenged the very foundations of their worldview.

* [Acts 17:21](/acts/17-21 "Athenian Curiosity and Novelty") - This verse explicitly states the Athenian characteristic of spending their time in nothing else but hearing or telling some new thing, providing the cultural backdrop for their invitation to Paul.
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "Be Ready to Give a Defense") - This passage exhorts believers to always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in them, echoing Paul's readiness to articulate his faith in a public forum.
* [1 Corinthians 1:22-24](/1_corinthians/1-22-24 "Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block and Foolishness") - Paul later reflects on the challenge of preaching Christ crucified, which was a "stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles," directly relating to the Athenian philosophical rejection of the resurrection.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 17:19 offers profound insights into the nature of evangelism in a pluralistic and intellectually diverse world. It challenges believers to move beyond insular Christian circles and engage thoughtfully with the prevailing ideas and questions of their culture. Paul's willingness to step into the Areopagus, a place of both intellectual prestige and potential opposition, exemplifies courage and strategic discernment. For us today, this means understanding the "language" and "concerns" of our audience, not to compromise the Gospel, but to present its eternal truths in a way that is comprehensible and compelling. We are called to be both bold in proclamation and sensitive in approach, recognizing that intellectual curiosity, even if initially devoid of spiritual hunger, can be a divine opening for the seed of the Gospel to be sown. This passage reminds us that every interaction is an opportunity to clarify misconceptions about Christ and His message, inviting others to move from mere curiosity to genuine inquiry and saving faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's engagement with the Athenians challenge my own comfort zone in sharing the Gospel with those who hold different worldviews?**
* **What "new doctrines" or prevailing philosophies in my contemporary culture might hinder or open doors for the Gospel message?**
* **In what ways can I better prepare myself to articulate the core tenets of my faith in a way that is both biblically faithful and culturally relevant?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the Areopagus in Acts 17:19?**

Answer: The Areopagus (Mars Hill) was a highly significant location in ancient Athens, serving historically as the site of the city's highest judicial court, the Council of the Areopagus. While its judicial power had waned by Paul's time, it remained a prominent public forum for philosophical debate, intellectual discourse, and the examination of new teachings. For the Athenians, bringing Paul to the Areopagus was a way to formally hear and scrutinize his "new doctrine" in a respected setting, allowing them to assess its philosophical merits and determine if it posed any threat to their established religious or social order. It provided Paul with an unparalleled platform to address the intellectual elite of Athens.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 17:19, though focused on Paul's immediate situation, points profoundly to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of all human inquiry and the answer to every "new doctrine." The Athenians' restless search for "some new thing" ([Acts 17:21](/acts/17-21 "Athenian Curiosity")) ultimately finds its resolution not in another philosophical system, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's subsequent speech on the Areopagus ([Acts 17:22-31](/acts/17-22-31 "Paul's Areopagus Speech")) skillfully navigates their existing religious and philosophical frameworks, moving from their "unknown god" to the one true God who created all things, sustains life, and calls all people to repentance. The "new doctrine" Paul preached was fundamentally the good news of the resurrected Christ, who offers eternal life and the promise of a future judgment ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "God Has Fixed a Day for Judgment")). This message, though foolishness to some and a stumbling block to others ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "Christ Crucified, Foolishness to Gentiles")), is revealed as the power and wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). Ultimately, Christ is the "new and living way" ([Hebrews 10:20](/hebrews/10-20 "The New and Living Way")) that supersedes all human wisdom and religious systems, offering the true knowledge of God that the Athenians, in their intellectual pursuits, unknowingly craved.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 1:27

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine [is] this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Acts 17:22

¶ 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.

Acts 25:22

Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Acts 24:24

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

Matthew 10:18

And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

1 John 2:7

¶ Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.