Acts 17:21

(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.)

(For {G1161} all {G3956} the Athenians {G117} and {G2532} strangers {G3581} which {G3588} were there {G1927} spent their time {G2119} in {G1519} nothing {G3762} else {G2087}, but either {G2228} to tell {G3004}, or {G2532} to hear {G191} some {G5100} new thing {G2537}.)

(All the Athenians and the foreigners living there used to spend their spare time talking or hearing about the latest intellectual fads.)

Now all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing more than hearing and articulating new ideas.

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

Commentary

Acts 17:21 KJV offers a concise yet profound insight into the intellectual and cultural climate of ancient Athens, providing essential context for understanding Paul's subsequent sermon on the Areopagus. This verse highlights the dominant characteristic of the Athenians and the "strangers" (foreigners or visitors) among them: an insatiable appetite for novelty and intellectual discourse.

Historical and Cultural Context

Ancient Athens was renowned as a vibrant center of philosophy, art, and rhetoric. It was the birthplace of democracy and home to great thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. This verse paints a vivid picture of a populace deeply engaged in intellectual pursuits, where public spaces like the marketplace (agora) and the Areopagus served as forums for debate and the exchange of ideas. The KJV's phrasing, "spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing," underscores their preoccupation. This intellectual curiosity, while admirable in some respects, also bordered on idleness, as their primary activity revolved around the latest philosophical trends or rumors.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Intellectual Curiosity: The Athenians were highly inquisitive, always eager to encounter new concepts and systems of thought. This openness, though perhaps superficial, provided Paul with a unique platform to introduce the Gospel.
  • Love of Novelty: There was a pervasive desire for the "new thing" (Greek: kainoteron), emphasizing not just newness, but something qualitatively fresh and unprecedented. This constant search for the latest idea suggests a restless spirit that quickly moved from one topic to another.
  • Idleness and Superficiality: While intellectual engagement can be positive, the verse implies a certain futility in their constant quest for novelty, as it consumed all their time and seemingly prevented deeper, more meaningful pursuits. Their interest was often more in the "telling" or "hearing" than in genuine understanding or commitment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "some new thing" translates the Greek kainoteron (ฮบฮฑฮนฮฝฯŒฯ„ฮตฯฮฟฮฝ), which is a comparative form of kainos, meaning "new" in quality, fresh, or unprecedented. The comparative form suggests a desire for something "newer" or "more novel" than what they had already encountered. This linguistic nuance emphasizes their extreme interest in anything that broke from the ordinary or familiar, setting the stage for Paul's presentation of the radical message of Christ's resurrection.

Related Scriptures

This verse sets the scene for Paul's powerful sermon on the Areopagus, where he skillfully addresses their curiosity about the "unknown god" mentioned in Acts 17:22. His approach demonstrates how believers can engage with a culture fascinated by novelties, yet redirect their attention to eternal truths. While the Athenians were open to hearing about "strange gods" (Acts 17:18), Paul aimed to move them beyond mere intellectual curiosity to genuine conviction.

In contemporary society, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of how easily we can be consumed by the constant influx of "new things"โ€”be it news cycles, social media trends, or entertainment. It challenges us to examine our own priorities and ensure that our time is not solely spent on superficial pursuits, but on seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. The timeless message of the Gospel, though ancient, remains the truly "new thing" that offers lasting hope and transformation.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 2:16

    But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

  • 2 Timothy 2:17

    And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

  • Ephesians 5:16

    Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

  • Colossians 4:5

    ยถ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

  • 1 Timothy 5:13

    And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:11

    For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:12

    Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
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