Acts 17:20

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

Acts 17:20 (KJV)

Context

Paul stands before the philosophers of Athens, a city he has observed to be full of idols. Among these objects of worship is an altar inscribed “to the unknown god.” The Athenians, known for their curiosity about new ideas, have been listening to Paul speak about Jesus and the resurrection.

Meaning

When the Athenians say, “For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears,” they are responding to doctrines they have never encountered before. The message of a crucified and risen Messiah does not fit within their familiar categories of thought. Their request, “We would know therefore what these things mean,” is not necessarily hostile. It expresses genuine intellectual interest and a desire to understand the substance of Paul’s teaching.

The verse captures a moment of honest inquiry. The Athenians recognise that Paul is presenting something unfamiliar, and they want to grasp its meaning. Their response opens the door for Paul to explain the gospel in terms they can engage with.

Biblical connections

This curiosity leads directly into Paul’s address at the Areopagus in Acts 17, where he builds his message from their own altar to the unknown god. He uses that point of contact to introduce the Creator who does not dwell in temples made by hands, and then proclaims Jesus and the resurrection as the fulfilment of what they unknowingly worship.

Application

The Athenians’ question models a healthy posture for those who encounter the gospel for the first time. It also challenges believers to be ready to give a clear answer when others ask what their faith means. Paul did not dismiss their curiosity or overwhelm them with jargon. He met them where they were, connected with their cultural context, and presented the truth of Christ in a way they could consider.

Reflection

When someone finds the Christian message strange, their questions can become a bridge rather than a barrier. The Athenians asked for meaning, and Paul gave them the full story of God’s revelation in Christ. A sincere question about the faith deserves a thoughtful, patient, and culturally aware response.