Acts 17:20

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

Context:In Acts 17, the apostle Paul is in Athens, Greece, and he addresses the philosophers and thinkers of the city. He observes that the city is full of idols and even has an altar to the "unknown god." Paul seizes this opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the Athenians.

Let’s break down the verse and explore its context:

"For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears":Paul had been preaching about Jesus and the resurrection, which the Athenians considered strange and unfamiliar. The Greek philosophers and intellectuals were known for their curiosity and interest in new ideas, so they were willing to listen to what Paul had to say.

"We would know therefore what these things mean":The Athenians were intrigued by Paul’s teachings and wanted to understand the meaning behind his message. They recognised that Paul was introducing something different and desired to gain further knowledge and comprehension.

This verse reflects the response of the Athenians to Paul’s preaching. They were open-minded and curious, willing to engage in a dialogue to grasp the significance of the unfamiliar ideas he presented. Paul’s preaching in Athens demonstrates his approach of adapting his message to fit the cultural context and engage with the audience effectively.

As we continue reading Acts 17, we see that Paul proceeds to deliver a compelling speech at the Areopagus, a place where philosophers gathered for intellectual discourse. He starts by acknowledging the Athenians’ religiosity and their altar to the unknown god. Paul then introduces the one true God, the Creator of the universe, who is not confined to temples or idols. He proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ, His resurrection, and the call to repentance and faith.

In Acts 17:20, the Athenians’ curiosity serves as an invitation for Paul to explain the gospel to them. It highlights the importance of being prepared to explain and defend our faith when given the opportunity, as Paul did, and being sensitive to the cultural context and questions of those we are engaging with.

Overall, this verse reminds us of the significance of effectively communicating the gospel message to different audiences, taking into account their specific cultural background and intellectual inquiries. It encourages us to be ready to provide a meaningful explanation and share the hope of Jesus Christ when people express curiosity and seek to understand the truth.