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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/17-20.htm" title="Acts 17:20">◄</a> Acts 17:21 <a href="/acts/17-22.htm" title="Acts 17:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/17.htm">New International Version</a> (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) <a href="/nlt/acts/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> (It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.) <a href="/esv/acts/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. <a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing more than hearing and articulating new ideas. <a href="/blb/acts/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now all the Athenians and the visiting strangers spent their time in nothing else than to tell something and to hear something new. <a href="/kjv/acts/17.htm">King James Bible</a> (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) <a href="/nkjv/acts/17.htm">New King James Version</a> For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing. <a href="/nasb_/acts/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> (Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.) <a href="/nasb/acts/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> (Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.) <a href="/nasb77/acts/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> (Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.) <a href="/lsb/acts/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> (Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something newer.) <a href="/amp/acts/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> (Now all the Athenians and the foreigners visiting there used to spend their [leisure] time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.) <a href="/csb/acts/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now all the Athenians and the foreigners residing there spent their time on nothing else but telling or hearing something new. <a href="/hcsb/acts/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now all the Athenians and the foreigners residing there spent their time on nothing else but telling or hearing something new. <a href="/asv/acts/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> (Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.) <a href="/cev/acts/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> More than anything else the people of Athens and the foreigners living there loved to hear and to talk about anything new. <a href="/erv/acts/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> (Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.) <a href="/gwt/acts/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Everyone who lived in Athens looked for opportunities to tell or hear something new and unusual. <a href="/gnt/acts/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> For all the citizens of Athens and the foreigners who lived there liked to spend all their time telling and hearing the latest new thing.) <a href="/isv/acts/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now all the Athenians and the foreigners living there used to spend their time doing nothing else other than listening to the latest ideas or repeating them. <a href="/msb/acts/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing more than hearing and articulating new ideas. <a href="/net/acts/17.htm">NET Bible</a> (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there used to spend their time in nothing else than telling or listening to something new.) <a href="/nheb/acts/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing. <a href="/wbt/acts/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> (For all the Athenians and strangers who were there, spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) <a href="/wey/acts/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> <a href="/web/acts/17.htm">World English Bible</a> Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and all Athenians, and the strangers sojourning, for nothing else were at leisure but to say something, and to hear some newer thing. <a href="/blb/acts/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now all the Athenians and the visiting strangers spent their time in nothing else than to tell something and to hear something new. <a href="/ylt/acts/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and all Athenians, and the strangers sojourning, for nothing else were at leisure but to say something, and to hear some newer thing. <a href="/slt/acts/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> (And all the Athenians and strangers being present, passed time in nothing else but to say or hear some thing new.)<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> (Now all the Athenians, and strangers that were there, employed themselves in nothing else, but either in telling or in hearing some new thing.) <a href="/cpdv/acts/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> (Now all the Athenians, and arriving visitors, were occupying themselves with nothing other than speaking or hearing various new ideas.) <a href="/nabre/acts/17.htm">New American Bible</a> Now all the Athenians as well as the foreigners residing there used their time for nothing else but telling or hearing something new. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now all the Athenians and the foreigners living there would spend their time in nothing but telling or hearing something new.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> (For all the Athenians and the strangers who were there, were uninterested in anything except something new to tell or to hear.) <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/17.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But all the Athenians and those foreigners who come there are concerned about nothing except to tell and to hear something new.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/17.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For all the Athenians and resident strangers have leisure for nothing else than to tell or to hear some new thing.<CM> <a href="/godbey/acts/17.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But all the Athenians and itinerant strangers were accustomed to devote their time to nothing else, than to tell something new, or to hear something. <a href="/haweis/acts/17.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now all the Athenians and the strangers who come to sojourn there, take pleasure in spending their time in nothing else but in talking, or hearing of some novelty.<CM> <a href="/mace/acts/17.htm">Mace New Testament</a> now the Athenians, and the foreigners residing at Athens generally amus'd themselves about nothing, but hearing and spreading of news. <a href="/wey/acts/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> <a href="/worrell/acts/17.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Now all Athenians and the sojourning foreigners were wont to spend their leisure in nothing else, than either to tell or to hear something new. <a href="/worsley/acts/17.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> (Now all the Athenians, and strangers sojourning among them, spent their time in nothing else, but to tell or to hear something new.) <a href="/parallel/acts/17-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=5768" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm">Paul in Athens</a> …20For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.” 21<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantes (Adj-NMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/117.htm" title="117: Athēnaioi (Adj-NMP) -- Athenian, belonging to Athens. From Athenai; an Athenoean or inhabitant of Athenae.">the Athenians</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3581.htm" title="3581: xenoi (Adj-NMP) -- Apparently a primary word; foreign; by implication, a guest or entertainer.">foreigners</a> <a href="/greek/1927.htm" title="1927: epidēmountes (V-PPA-NMP) -- From a compound of epi and demos; to make oneself at home, i.e. to reside.">who lived there</a> <a href="/greek/2119.htm" title="2119: ēukairoun (V-IIA-3P) -- From eukairos; to have good time, i.e. Opportunity or leisure.">spent their time</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">doing</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: ouden (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">nothing</a> <a href="/greek/2087.htm" title="2087: heteron (Adj-ANS) -- (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different.">more</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">than</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akouein (V-PNA) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">hearing</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legein (V-PNA) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">articulating</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object."></a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object."></a> <a href="/greek/2537.htm" title="2537: kainoteron (Adj-ANS-C) -- Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; new">new ideas.</a> 22Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22-23</a> Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, / but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, <a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">2 Timothy 4:3-4</a> For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">1 Corinthians 8:1</a> Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:8-9</a> All things are wearisome, more than one can describe; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear content with hearing. / What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1-2</a> When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. / For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">1 Timothy 6:20-21</a> O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,” / which some have professed and thus swerved away from the faith. Grace be with you all. <a href="/jeremiah/6-16.htm">Jeremiah 6:16</a> This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’ <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a> See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. <a href="/isaiah/30-10.htm">Isaiah 30:10-11</a> They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. / Get out of the way; turn off the road. Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!” <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19-20</a> For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Proverbs 18:1-2</a> He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. / A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. <a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Isaiah 44:25</a> who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense, <a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22</a> Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, <a href="/jeremiah/8-9.htm">Jeremiah 8:9</a> The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have? <a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">1 Corinthians 1:19-20</a> For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)spent.<a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm">Ephesians 5:16</a> Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.<a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Colossians 4:5</a> Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.<a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11,12</a> For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Athenians</a> <a href="/acts/9-2.htm">Either</a> <a href="/acts/15-28.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/27-7.htm">Foreigners</a> <a href="/acts/15-7.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/acts/17-8.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/mark/6-31.htm">Leisure</a> <a href="/acts/16-25.htm">Listening</a> <a href="/acts/17-19.htm">New</a> <a href="/acts/16-17.htm">News</a> <a href="/acts/13-17.htm">Sojourning</a> <a href="/acts/13-41.htm">Something</a> <a href="/luke/21-37.htm">Spend</a> <a href="/acts/15-33.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/acts/13-17.htm">Strangers</a> <a href="/acts/11-15.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/acts/17-18.htm">Telling</a> <a href="/acts/16-33.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/14-8.htm">Used</a> <a href="/acts/8-40.htm">Visiting</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Athenians</a> <a href="/acts/24-12.htm">Either</a> <a href="/acts/20-23.htm">Except</a> <a href="/acts/28-2.htm">Foreigners</a> <a href="/acts/17-32.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/acts/17-32.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/mark/6-31.htm">Leisure</a> <a href="/acts/19-28.htm">Listening</a> <a href="/acts/19-9.htm">New</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">News</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">Sojourning</a> <a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Something</a> <a href="/acts/18-20.htm">Spend</a> <a href="/acts/18-23.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-21.htm">Strangers</a> <a href="/acts/19-6.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/acts/18-5.htm">Telling</a> <a href="/acts/17-32.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Used</a> <a href="/acts/18-23.htm">Visiting</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 17</div>1. <a href="/acts/17-1.htm">Paul preaches at Thessalonica, where some believe,</a> 5. <a href="/acts/17-5.htm">and others persecute him.</a> 10. <a href="/acts/17-10.htm">He is sent to Berea, and preaches there.</a> 13. <a href="/acts/17-13.htm">Being persecuted by Jews from Thessalonica,</a> 16. <a href="/acts/17-16.htm">he comes to Athens, and disputes and preaches the living God, to them unknown;</a> 32. <a href="/acts/17-32.htm">whereby, though some mock, many are converted unto Christ.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there Athens was a prominent city in ancient Greece, known for its rich history in philosophy, arts, and democracy. By the time of <a href="/acts/17.htm">Acts 17</a>, it was a center of intellectual and cultural activity. The mention of "Athenians and foreigners" highlights the city's cosmopolitan nature, attracting people from various regions. This diverse population contributed to a melting pot of ideas and philosophies, making it an ideal setting for Paul's discourse. The presence of foreigners also indicates the city's role as a hub of trade and cultural exchange.spent their time doing nothing more than This phrase suggests a preoccupation with intellectual pursuits, possibly to the exclusion of practical matters. It reflects a cultural tendency towards valuing knowledge and debate, which was characteristic of Greek society. The Greeks were known for their love of wisdom (philosophy), and this pursuit often took precedence over other activities. This context sets the stage for Paul's engagement with the Athenians, as he presents the Gospel in a manner that challenges their existing beliefs and priorities.hearing and articulating new ideas. The Athenians' interest in "new ideas" underscores their openness to novel concepts and philosophies. This cultural trait is evident in their history of philosophical inquiry, with figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle shaping Western thought. The phrase also highlights a potential superficiality in their pursuits, as they may have been more interested in novelty than in truth. This environment provided both an opportunity and a challenge for Paul, as he introduced the message of Jesus Christ, which was both new and transformative. The Athenians' curiosity about new teachings parallels other scriptural instances where the Gospel is met with both intrigue and skepticism, such as in <a href="/acts/17-32.htm">Acts 17:32</a>, where some mocked while others were interested in hearing more.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/athenians.htm">Athenians</a> Residents of Athens, known for their love of philosophy and debate. Athens was a center of learning and culture in the ancient world. 2. <a href="/topical/f/foreigners.htm">Foreigners</a> Non-Athenians who lived in Athens, contributing to the city's diverse intellectual environment. 3. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who was in Athens to preach the Gospel. He engaged with the Athenians and foreigners in discussions about faith. 4. <a href="/topical/a/areopagus.htm">Areopagus</a> A prominent rock outcropping in Athens where philosophical discussions and legal matters were often held. Paul delivered his famous sermon here. 5. <a href="/topical/n/new_ideas.htm">New Ideas</a> The Athenians' and foreigners' preoccupation with novel concepts, reflecting their cultural and intellectual curiosity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_knowledge_vs._wisdom.htm">The Pursuit of Knowledge vs. Wisdom</a> While seeking knowledge is valuable, it should not overshadow the pursuit of true wisdom found in Christ. The Athenians' endless search for new ideas can serve as a caution against valuing novelty over truth. <a href="/topical/e/engaging_culture_with_the_gospel.htm">Engaging Culture with the Gospel</a> Paul’s approach in Athens shows the importance of understanding and engaging with the culture around us to effectively communicate the Gospel. We should be prepared to discuss and defend our faith in diverse settings. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_intellectual_idolatry.htm">The Danger of Intellectual Idolatry</a> The Athenians' obsession with new ideas can become a form of idolatry, where intellectual pursuits replace the worship of God. We must guard against allowing our intellectual interests to become idols. <a href="/topical/t/the_timelessness_of_the_gospel.htm">The Timelessness of the Gospel</a> Despite the Athenians' love for new ideas, the Gospel remains relevant and powerful. It transcends cultural and intellectual trends, offering eternal truth and salvation. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_curiosity_with_discernment.htm">Balancing Curiosity with Discernment</a> While curiosity can lead to growth and understanding, it must be balanced with discernment to ensure that we are not led astray by false teachings or empty philosophies.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 17</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_mystery_of_christ.htm">Have you tested everything thoroughly?</a> <a href="/q/can_you_be_trusted_with_all_things.htm">Is it right to desire what others possess?</a> <a href="/q/is_festus_dismissing_paul's_claims.htm">Does Festus's accusation in Acts 26:24 suggest that Paul's claims are too extraordinary to be taken seriously?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_deut._14_21_align_with_bible_ethics.htm">Deuteronomy 14:21 allows selling meat that dies of itself to foreigners. How does this reconcile with moral and compassionate principles elsewhere in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) For all the Athenians and strangers.--The restless inquisitiveness of the Athenian character had been all along proverbial. In words which St. Luke almost reproduces, Demosthenes (Philipp. i., p. 43) had reproached them with idling their time away in the agora, asking what news there was of Philip's movements, or the action of their own envoys, when they ought to have been preparing for strenuous action. The "strangers" who were present were probably a motley group--young Romans sent to finish their education, artists, and sight-seers, and philosophers, from every province in the empire.Some new thing.--Literally, some newer thing; as we should say, the "very latest news." Theophrastus (c. 8) uses the self-same word in describing the questions of the loquacious prattlers of society, "Is there anything new? . . . Is there anything yet newer?"<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Now for for, A.V.; the strangers sojourning there for strangers which were there, A.V. Spent their time. This gives the general sense, but the margin of the R.T., had leisure for nothing else, is much more accurate. Αὐκαιρεῖν, which is not considered good Greek, is only used by Polybius, and in the sense either of "being wealthy" or of "having leisure" or "opportunity." In the New Testament it occurs in <a href="/mark/6-31.htm">Mark 6:31</a> and <a href="/1_corinthians/16-12.htm">1 Corinthians 16:12</a>. Some new thing. So Cleon (Thucyd., 3:38) rates the Athenians upon their being entirely guided by words, and constantly deceived by any novelty of speech (καινότητος λόγου). And Demosthenes in his first 'Philippic' (p. 43, 7), inveighs against them because, when they ought to be up and doing, they went about the Agora, asking one another, "Is there any news? (Λέγεταί τι καινόν;)." The comparative καινότερον ix a little stronger than καινόν: "the very last news" (Alford). <a href="/commentaries/acts/17-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Now δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. all πάντες (pantes) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. [the] Athenians Ἀθηναῖοι (Athēnaioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_117.htm">Strong's 117: </a> Athenian, belonging to Athens. From Athenai; an Athenoean or inhabitant of Athenae. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. foreigners ξένοι (xenoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> Apparently a primary word; foreign; by implication, a guest or entertainer. who lived there ἐπιδημοῦντες (epidēmountes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1927.htm">Strong's 1927: </a> From a compound of epi and demos; to make oneself at home, i.e. to reside. spent their time ηὐκαίρουν (ēukairoun) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2119.htm">Strong's 2119: </a> From eukairos; to have good time, i.e. Opportunity or leisure. [doing] εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. nothing οὐδὲν (ouden) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> No one, none, nothing. [more] ἕτερον (heteron) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2087.htm">Strong's 2087: </a> (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different. than ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. hearing ἀκούειν (akouein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. and ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. articulating λέγειν (legein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. new [ideas]. καινότερον (kainoteron) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_2537.htm">Strong's 2537: </a> Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; new <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/17-21.htm">Acts 17:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/17-21.htm">Acts 17:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/17-21.htm">Acts 17:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/17-21.htm">Acts 17:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/17-21.htm">Acts 17:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/17-21.htm">Acts 17:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/17-21.htm">Acts 17:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/17-21.htm">Acts 17:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/17-21.htm">Acts 17:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/17-21.htm">Acts 17:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/17-21.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 17:21 Now all the Athenians and the strangers (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/17-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 17:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 17:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/17-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 17:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 17:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>