Acts 17:20 kjv
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
Acts 17:20 nkjv
For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean."
Acts 17:20 niv
You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean."
Acts 17:20 esv
For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean."
Acts 17:20 nlt
"You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it's all about."
Acts 17 20 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 17:18 | "Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers argued with him. . . ." | Setting the philosophical context |
| Acts 17:21 | "All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time. . . ." | Continues the description |
| 1 Corinthians 1:22 | "For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek wisdom;" | Parallel seeking of wisdom |
| Romans 1:20 | "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal. . ." | Observing God in creation |
| Ecclesiastes 1:14 | "I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all is. . ." | Pursuit of empty things |
| Jeremiah 2:11 | "Has any nation ever exchanged its gods of nothing for. . ." | Idolatry and futility |
| Isaiah 44:18 | "They know not, nor do they comprehend; for He has shut. . ." | Spiritual blindness |
| 2 Timothy 3:7 | "always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of. . ." | Unfruitful learning |
| Matthew 13:23 | "But the one on whom seed was sown on good soil is the one. . ." | receptiveness of the message |
| John 18:38 | "‘What is truth?’ said Pilate." | Philosophical skepticism |
| Philippians 4:8 | "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable. . ." | True vs. Novel |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:21 | "but test everything; hold fast what is good." | Discernment in seeking truth |
| 1 Kings 18:27 | "And as Elijah mocked them, he said, 'Cry aloud, for he is a god!'" | False gods and practices |
| Acts 14:11-12 | "And when the crowd saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices. . ." | Astonishment at works |
| Romans 2:14-15 | "For when Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law. . ." | Law written on the heart |
| Ephesians 4:14 | "so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by. . ." | Stability in doctrine |
| Colossians 2:8 | "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty. . ." | Warning against false teaching |
| 2 Timothy 4:3 | "For there will come a time when people will not endure sound. . ." | itching ears for new ideas |
| Jude 1:3 | "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our. . ." | Contending for the faith |
| Hebrews 13:9 | "Do not be led away by various and strange doctrines. . ." | Steadfastness in truth |
| Proverbs 22:6 | "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will. . ." | Foundation of teaching |
| Isaiah 29:14 | "therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this. . ." | God's unique works |
Acts 17 verses
Acts 17 20 Meaning
This verse states that the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time in no other way than telling or hearing about the latest thing. This highlights their intellectual curiosity and perhaps their susceptibility to new and novel ideas.
Acts 17 20 Context
This verse appears in the midst of Paul's missionary journey as he arrives in Athens, a city renowned for its philosophy and intellectual pursuits. Luke, the author, describes how the Athenians were constantly seeking new ideas and discussions. Paul encounters philosophers from the Epicurean and Stoic schools who are intrigued by his message but also somewhat dismissive or wanting to hear more. The verse reflects the prevailing intellectual climate of Athens, where philosophical debate and the exploration of novel concepts were a common pastime.
Acts 17 20 Word Analysis
- "All": This denotes the entirety of the people mentioned.
- "the Athenians": Refers to the citizens of Athens.
- "and the foreigners who lived there": This includes resident non-citizens.
- "spent their time": This phrase implies continuous engagement or occupation.
- "in no other way": Emphasizes the singular focus of their activity.
- "than": Introduces the specific nature of their pastime.
- "telling": Refers to speaking or narrating.
- "or": Indicates an alternative but related activity.
- "hearing": Denotes listening attentively.
- "about": Pertaining to the subject matter.
- "the latest thing": This is a key phrase. In Greek, the word is "kainoteros," meaning newer or newer things. It signifies novelty, the newest idea, or current events of a speculative nature.
Group Analysis:
- "spent their time in no other way than telling or hearing": This describes a culture immersed in dialogue and the exchange of information, a habit central to Athenian intellectual life.
- "about the latest thing": This phrase encapsulates their drive for novelty and new discourse, perhaps indicative of a society that had moved beyond established certainties and was actively seeking fresh intellectual stimuli.
Acts 17 20 Bonus Section
The pursuit of "the latest thing" is reminiscent of the modern-day culture driven by constant new trends, news cycles, and social media updates. While curiosity is a vital human trait, this verse serves as a reminder to discern between novel ideas and enduring truth, and to ensure that our pursuit of knowledge is rooted in solid foundations, not merely fleeting interests. The Apostle Paul's subsequent discourse on Mars Hill directly addressed their "unknown God," an idea that, while seemingly novel, was fundamentally about revealing the true God to a people seeking something, even if they didn't know what it was.
Acts 17 20 Commentary
The Athenians and their resident foreigners were characterized by a persistent pursuit of novelty in discourse. This wasn't necessarily a pursuit of truth, but rather a fascination with new ideas and discussions. They were eager to hear what was current and, in turn, eager to share it. This made them receptive to Paul's initial message, but it also points to a potential superficiality, where ideas could be readily adopted and discarded. Paul, by contrast, sought to anchor them to a more profound and eternal truth rather than a fleeting new concept.