Acts 17 22

Acts 17:22 kjv

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 17:22 nkjv

Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious;

Acts 17:22 niv

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.

Acts 17:22 esv

So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.

Acts 17:22 nlt

So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: "Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way,

Acts 17 verses

Acts 17 22 Meaning

Paul begins his address on Mars Hill (Areopagus) by courteously acknowledging the Athenians' observable devotion and spiritual sensitivity. He tactfully opens a dialogue by affirming their general inclination towards the divine, rather than immediately condemning their idolatry. This statement is a masterful rhetorical move, designed to find common ground before presenting the unknown God, allowing him to connect their existing religious sentiment with the Christian message.

Acts 17 22 Context

This verse immediately follows Paul's arrival in Athens and his engagement with various philosophers (Epicureans and Stoics) in the marketplace. Luke details Paul's distress (Acts 17:16) upon seeing the city filled with idols, leading him to reason daily in the synagogue and agora. His discussions caught the attention of the philosophers who, perceiving him as a "babbler" introducing "foreign gods," brought him to the Areopagus. The Areopagus was not just a scenic hill (Mars Hill), but a highly respected judicial and philosophical council, traditionally associated with serious deliberation and the guarding of Athenian religious and cultural traditions. It was a formal platform for public discourse, and here, Paul was given an opportunity to explain his "new teaching." Verse 22 is the opening of his iconic sermon, an exemplar of Christian apologetics in a Hellenistic intellectual setting.

Acts 17 22 Word analysis

• So Paul stood (Σταθεὶς δὲ ὁ Παῦλος - Stathis de ho Paulos): The phrase implies a deliberate, firm posture, marking a significant moment of address. "Stood" (σταθεὶς) suggests resolve and authority in the face of intellectual scrutiny, not hesitation.
• in the midst (ἐν μέσῳ - en mesō): Indicates Paul's position at the center, speaking directly to the assembly. This isn't a casual remark but a formal speech delivered in the very heart of their philosophical and civic life.
• of the Areopagus (τοῦ Ἀρείου Πάγου - tou Areiou Pagou): Lit. "Hill of Ares," also known as Mars Hill. This location held deep historical, religious, and judicial significance for Athens. It was a seat of the highest court, revered as ancient and authoritative, and a prominent public forum for philosophical debate, giving gravitas to Paul's words.
• and said, 'Men of Athens,' (ἔφη, Ἄνδρες Ἀθηναῖοι - ephē, Andres Athinaioi): This is a standard and polite opening address in Greek oratory. It shows respect for his audience and acknowledges their prominent status, establishing goodwill from the outset.
• I perceive that (θεωρῶ - theōrō): The verb implies observation and thoughtful contemplation, "I see, I observe, I consider." It suggests Paul has been carefully studying their culture, indicating an informed and empathetic, rather than hasty, judgment.
• in every way (κατὰ πάντα - kata panta): This emphasizes the pervasive nature of their religiosity. It means "in all respects," indicating that Paul has observed this characteristic from various angles, reinforcing the sincerity of his opening remark.
• you are very religious (δεισιδαιμονεστέρους - deisidaimonesterous): This is a pivotal word. The Greek term deisidaimon (δείσιδαιμων) can be ambiguous, ranging from "devout," "reverent," and "religious" to "superstitious" or "fearful of deities/demons." Paul, with rhetorical genius, uses the comparative adjective, likely implying "more religious" or "more inclined to reverence for the divine" in a positive or neutral sense to gain an appreciative ear, even if the underlying reality was superstition (as indicated by the unknown god altar). It subtly challenges their misplaced piety without overtly insulting them, setting the stage for presenting the true God.

Acts 17 22 Bonus section

The Areopagus speech is not merely an act of evangelism but a powerful example of apologetics, particularly classical apologetics, that appeals to natural revelation and philosophical reason. Paul meets his audience on their intellectual turf, using their cultural artifacts and philosophical concepts (like their altar to an "unknown god," and later, quotes from Greek poets Epimenides and Aratus) as bridges to the Gospel. The ambiguity of deisidaimonesterous also reflects Paul's profound understanding of Hellenistic culture, where expressions of piety could genuinely intertwine with superstitious practices. This approach validates their quest for spirituality while gently guiding it towards its proper object, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in revealing truth even outside of explicit biblical revelation, yet confirming that only Christ can fully answer that innate longing.

Acts 17 22 Commentary

Acts 17:22 presents Paul's brilliant rhetorical beginning to his Areopagus address. Faced with a skeptical, philosophically diverse, and deeply idolatrous audience, he refrains from direct accusation. Instead, he observes and affirms a common ground: their evident, widespread, and earnest pursuit of the divine, even if misdirected. By using the deliberately ambiguous term deisidaimonesterous (often rendered as "very religious" or "superstitious"), Paul masterfully sidesteps a hostile reception and cultivates an openness in his listeners. This tactful approach establishes credibility and a respectful hearing, preparing them for the profound theological shift from an "unknown god" to the God revealed in Jesus Christ, the Creator and Sustainer of all, whom they, in their deep religiosity, had unknowingly sought. It serves as a model for contextualized and empathetic evangelism.

• Practical Example: Beginning a conversation about faith by acknowledging a person's good intentions or values, rather than immediately pointing out their perceived errors. For instance, praising someone's dedication to helping others as reflecting a longing for righteousness before introducing the source of true righteousness in Christ.
• Practical Example: Engaging with a different worldview by identifying points of shared truth or common human experiences before presenting a uniquely Christian perspective.