Acts 17:20

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

For {G1063} thou bringest {G1533} certain {G5100} strange things {G3579} to {G1519} our {G2257} ears {G189}: we would {G1014} know {G1097} therefore {G3767} what {G5101} these things {G5023} mean {G302}{G2309}{G1511}.

Some of the things we are hearing from you strike us as strange, and we would like to know what they mean.”

For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”

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

Commentary

Acts 17:20 captures the intense curiosity and intellectual climate of ancient Athens as the Apostle Paul introduced the Gospel. The philosophers on Mars Hill, also known as the Areopagus, were intrigued by Paul's teachings, which seemed entirely foreign to their established philosophical and religious frameworks.

Context

This verse is set during Paul's second missionary journey, specifically his time in Athens. After observing the city full of idols (Acts 17:16), Paul engaged in discussions in the synagogue, the marketplace, and eventually was brought before the elite Athenian council on the Areopagus. The Athenians were known for their intellectual pursuits and their constant desire to hear or tell "some new thing" (Acts 17:21). Paul's message, particularly concerning Jesus and the resurrection, was so novel and challenging to their polytheistic and philosophical beliefs that they demanded an explanation.

Key Themes

  • Intellectual Curiosity: The Athenians' statement reflects a genuine intellectual curiosity, a hallmark of their culture. They weren't immediately hostile but sought to understand the "strange things" Paul was proclaiming.
  • Novelty of the Gospel: To the Greek mind, the idea of a crucified and resurrected Messiah was profoundly counter-cultural and often considered foolish (1 Corinthians 1:23). The resurrection, in particular, was a foreign concept, as many Greek philosophies held that the body was a prison and true liberation came through the soul's escape from it.
  • Opportunity for Dialogue: Their request for an explanation provided Paul with a unique platform to articulate the Christian worldview to influential thinkers, culminating in his famous sermon on Mars Hill.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "strange things" translates from the Greek word xenia (ξΡνία), related to xenos (ΞΎΞ­Ξ½ΞΏΟ‚), meaning "foreign," "unfamiliar," or "alien." It implies something completely outside their normal experience or understanding. Paul was not just sharing new ideas, but concepts that were fundamentally different from their worldview, particularly the concept of a bodily resurrection and a single, living God who called all men to repentance.

Practical Application

Acts 17:20 reminds us that the Gospel message can still seem "strange" or counter-intuitive to contemporary worldviews. Just as Paul faced intellectual skepticism, believers today may encounter questions or doubts about the unique claims of Christianity, such as the resurrection of Jesus Christ or the exclusivity of salvation through Him. This verse encourages us to:

  • Be Prepared to Explain: Like Paul, we should be ready to articulate the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15).
  • Engage with Curiosity: When people express genuine interest or even skepticism about spiritual matters, it can be an open door for meaningful dialogue.
  • Embrace the Uniqueness of the Gospel: The "strangeness" of the Gospel is its power and truth. It offers something truly unique and transformative that no other philosophy or religion can provide, leading to eternal life through faith in Christ.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 4:4

    ΒΆ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:

  • 1 Corinthians 1:23

    But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

  • Hosea 8:12

    I have written to him the great things of my law, [but] they were counted as a strange thing.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:14

    But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18

    For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

  • Matthew 19:23

    ΒΆ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

  • Matthew 19:25

    When his disciples heard [it], they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
← Back