Acts 17:20

20 You've told us some strange things and we want to know what they mean." (

Acts 17:20 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 17:20

For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears
Strange doctrines and strange deities, such as they had never heard of before:

we would know therefore what these things mean;
they desire he would explain these things to them, and let them know the rise, and ground, and nature, and end, and design of them.

Acts 17:20 In-Context

18 Certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers engaged him in discussion too. Some said, "What an amateur! What's he trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods." (They said this because he was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.)

19 They took him into custody and brought him to the council on Mars Hill. "What is this new teaching? Can we learn what you are talking about?

20 You've told us some strange things and we want to know what they mean." (

21 They said this because all Athenians as well as the foreigners who live in Athens used to spend their time doing nothing but talking about or listening to the newest thing.)

22 Paul stood up in the middle of the council on Mars Hill and said, “People of Athens, I see that you are very religious in every way.