Acts 17:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:20 captures the profound intellectual curiosity and spiritual bewilderment of the Athenian philosophers on Mars Hill as they encountered the Apostle Paul's radical proclamation of the Gospel. Having observed Paul's teachings in the marketplace, these Epicurean and Stoic thinkers brought him to the Areopagus, demanding a clearer explanation for the "strange things" he was introducing, which challenged their established philosophical and religious paradigms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's second missionary journey, specifically during his pivotal visit to Athens. Following his departure from Thessalonica and Berea, Paul arrives in Athens, where his spirit is provoked by the city's pervasive idolatry ([Acts 17:16](/acts/17-16 "Paul's Spirit Stirred in Athens")). He engages in daily discourse in the synagogue with Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the agora (marketplace) with anyone who would listen ([Acts 17:17](/acts/17-17 "Paul Debates in the Synagogue and Marketplace")). It is this public engagement, particularly his preaching of Jesus and the resurrection, that draws the attention of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, leading them to bring him to the Areopagus for a more formal hearing, as detailed in [Acts 17:18-19](/acts/17-18-19 "Paul Confronts Philosophers on the Areopagus"). Their demand in [Acts 17:20](/acts/17-20 "Athenians Question Paul's Teachings") sets the stage for Paul's renowned Mars Hill sermon, beginning in [Acts 17:22](/acts/17-22 "Paul's Mars Hill Sermon").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Athens was the intellectual and philosophical heart of the Greek world, renowned for its schools of thought, public discourse, and insatiable appetite for new ideas. The city was a melting pot of philosophical schools, primarily the Epicureans (who pursued pleasure as the highest good, often understood as tranquility and absence of pain, and denied divine intervention or an afterlife) and the Stoics (who emphasized virtue, reason, and living in harmony with the divine *logos* or natural law, often pantheistically). The Areopagus, or Mars Hill, was an ancient judicial and administrative council, but by Paul's time, it primarily served as a place for philosophical debate and the examination of new teachings. The Athenians were characterized by their intellectual curiosity, famously spending their time "in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing" ([Acts 17:21](/acts/17-21 "Athenian Intellectual Curiosity")). Paul's message, particularly the resurrection of the dead, was profoundly alien to their worldview, which often saw the body as a prison and liberation as the soul's escape from it.

* **Key Themes:** This verse underscores several significant themes. Firstly, it highlights the **clash of worldviews** between Greek philosophy and the Christian Gospel. The "strange things" Paul proclaimed, especially the resurrection, directly contradicted prevailing Greek philosophical tenets regarding the nature of reality, the afterlife, and the divine. Secondly, it showcases the **intellectual curiosity and openness** (albeit sometimes superficial) of the Athenians, which provided Paul with a unique platform to articulate the Christian message to influential thinkers. This intellectual climate, while challenging, presented an unparalleled opportunity for evangelism. Finally, it emphasizes the **radical uniqueness of the Gospel**, which, then as now, often appears counter-cultural or "foolish" to those outside of faith ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "The Cross: A Stumbling Block and Foolishness")). The Athenians' desire to "know" reflects a genuine, if initially skeptical, engagement with the novelty of Paul's claims, paving the way for a profound theological discourse on the nature of God, humanity, and salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bringest (Greek, _eisphérō'_):** From G1533, meaning "to carry inward (literally or figuratively); to bring (in), lead into." This word suggests Paul is not merely speaking *about* strange things, but actively *introducing* or *importing* them into their intellectual and spiritual sphere. It implies a direct, personal act of presentation that is having an impact on their perception.
* **strange things (Greek, _xenízō'_):** From G3579, derived from *xenos* (ξένος), meaning "to be a host (passively, a guest); by implication, be (make, appear) strange." This term denotes something foreign, alien, or unfamiliar, causing astonishment or surprise. It captures the Athenians' perception that Paul's teachings were utterly outside their established categories of thought and experience, truly "other."
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** From G1097, a prolonged form of a primary verb meaning "to 'know' (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications." This is not merely a request for information, but a desire for deep understanding, comprehension, and perhaps even experiential knowledge. It suggests a genuine intellectual pursuit to grasp the essence and implications of Paul's message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears":** The Athenians acknowledge that Paul is the source of these novel teachings. The phrase "to our ears" is an idiom indicating that these concepts are being heard and received, though not yet understood or accepted. The "certain strange things" (τὶς ξενίζων) refers to the content of Paul's preaching, particularly the resurrection of Jesus, which was utterly foreign to their philosophical frameworks. They perceive Paul as an innovator, introducing concepts that challenge their intellectual comfort zones.
* **"we would know therefore what these things mean.":** This clause expresses their intellectual curiosity and a demand for clarification. The verb "would know" (βούλομαι γινώσκω) combines a desire or willingness with the act of knowing, indicating a genuine intent to comprehend. "Therefore" (οὖν) links their desire for understanding to the fact that Paul is presenting these strange ideas. They are not immediately hostile, but rather intellectually engaged, seeking to ascertain the significance and implications of Paul's radical message.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Metonymy** is present in the phrase "to our ears," where "ears" stand in for the faculty of hearing and comprehension, signifying that Paul's message is being received audibly and intellectually. The description of Paul's teachings as "strange things" functions as **Understatement** or **Litotes**, as the concepts of a resurrected Messiah and a singular, sovereign God were not merely "strange" but revolutionary and deeply offensive to many Greek philosophical sensibilities. This seemingly mild descriptor belies the profound theological and philosophical chasm Paul was attempting to bridge. Furthermore, the entire statement can be seen as a form of **Rhetorical Question** or an implied demand, as the Athenians are not merely curious but are asserting their right as intellectual arbiters to scrutinize and categorize new ideas, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent defense and proclamation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:20 serves as a powerful testament to the inherent "strangeness" of the Gospel message when confronted with human wisdom and established cultural norms. The Athenians, steeped in their philosophical traditions, found the concepts of a crucified and resurrected Messiah, and a sovereign God who demands repentance, to be utterly alien. This highlights a recurring theological theme: the Gospel often defies human logic and challenges preconceived notions, requiring a paradigm shift that only divine revelation can truly facilitate. It underscores the tension between worldly wisdom and divine truth, demonstrating that God's wisdom is often perceived as foolishness by the world, yet it holds the power unto salvation. The verse also implicitly sets the stage for Paul's demonstration of how the Gospel, while strange to the uninitiated, is ultimately the fulfillment of humanity's deepest longings and the answer to its most profound questions about existence, purpose, and destiny.

* [1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "The Message of the Cross: Foolishness to the Perishing")
* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Power of the Gospel")
* [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "Light Has Come into the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Athenian philosophers' reaction to Paul's message in Acts 17:20 offers timeless insights for believers today. In a world increasingly shaped by diverse worldviews and intellectual skepticism, the core tenets of Christianity—such as the resurrection, the exclusivity of Christ, or the call to repentance—can still strike many as "strange" or even offensive. This verse reminds us that genuine engagement with the Gospel often begins with curiosity, even if it's born from bewilderment. It challenges us to cultivate both intellectual rigor and spiritual humility in our witness. We are called not to dilute the "strangeness" of the Gospel to make it more palatable, but to articulate its unique truth with clarity, compassion, and conviction, trusting that the Holy Spirit will open hearts and minds. Just as Paul seized this opportunity for dialogue, we too should be prepared to explain the hope that is within us, recognizing that every question, every doubt, and every expression of curiosity can be a divine invitation to share the transformative power of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of the Christian faith might seem "strange" or counter-cultural to people in your contemporary context?**
* **How can you prepare yourself to articulate these "strange things" in a way that is both faithful to Scripture and comprehensible to a skeptical audience?**
* **When someone expresses curiosity or even skepticism about your faith, how do you typically respond, and what might Acts 17:20 teach you about engaging with such opportunities?**

### FAQ
**What does "strange things" refer to in Acts 17:20?**

Answer: The phrase "strange things" (Greek: *xenia*) refers to the teachings Paul was proclaiming that were entirely foreign and unfamiliar to the Athenian philosophical and religious landscape. Primarily, this included the concept of Jesus as the resurrected Messiah and the call to repentance before a single, sovereign God who would judge the world through this resurrected man ([Acts 17:30-31](/acts/17-30-31 "God Commands All to Repent")). The idea of a bodily resurrection was particularly alien and often mocked by Greek philosophers, who generally believed in the immortality of the soul but viewed the body as a temporary prison.

**Why were the Athenians so interested in new ideas?**

Answer: The Athenians were renowned for their intellectual curiosity and their philosophical traditions. [Acts 17:21](/acts/17-21 "Athenian Intellectual Curiosity") explicitly states that they "spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing." This was a cultural hallmark, driven by their various philosophical schools (like the Epicureans and Stoics) and their love for public debate and discourse. They were constantly seeking intellectual stimulation and novel concepts to discuss and dissect, making Athens a unique intellectual hub in the ancient world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 17:20, with its depiction of the Athenians' bewilderment at Paul's "strange things," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. For the Athenians, the "strange thing" was the resurrection, a concept utterly foreign to their worldview. Yet, the resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, demonstrating Christ's victory over sin and death and validating His claims to divinity. Jesus is the ultimate "new thing" that God has brought into the world, not merely a novel philosophy but a new creation and a new covenant ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ"); [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). His life, death, and resurrection represent the radical intervention of God into human history, offering a salvation that no human philosophy could conceive or achieve. He is the wisdom of God, confounding the wisdom of the world ([1 Corinthians 1:24-25](/1_corinthians/1-24-25 "Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Thus, the "strange things" Paul proclaimed were not merely abstract ideas but the concrete reality of God incarnate, bringing light into darkness and offering eternal life to all who believe in the one who was raised from the dead ([John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "Life and Light in Christ"); [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). The Athenians' desire to "know what these things mean" ultimately points to the necessity of knowing Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")).

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

1 Peter 4:4

¶ 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

¶ 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?