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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 17:19 So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, where they asked him, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/17-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/44_Act_17_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 17:19 - Paul in Athens" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, where they asked him, May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/17-19.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/17-19.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 19</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.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/17-18.htm" title="Acts 17:18">◄</a> Acts 17:19 <a href="/acts/17-20.htm" title="Acts 17:20">►</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> Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, &#8220May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? <a href="/nlt/acts/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then they took him to the high council of the city. “Come and tell us about this new teaching,” they said. <a href="/esv/acts/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? <a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, where they asked him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? <a href="/blb/acts/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And having taken hold of him they brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "Are we able to know what is this new teaching which is spoken by you. <a href="/kjv/acts/17.htm">King James Bible</a> And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? <a href="/nkjv/acts/17.htm">New King James Version</a> And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? <a href="/nasb_/acts/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming? <a href="/nasb/acts/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, &#8220May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming? <a href="/nasb77/acts/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming? <a href="/lsb/acts/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is which you are speaking? <a href="/amp/acts/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> They took him and brought him to the Areopagus (Hill of Ares, the Greek god of war), saying, “May we know what this [strange] new teaching is which you are proclaiming? <a href="/csb/acts/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> They took him and brought him to the Areopagus, and said, “May we learn about this new teaching you are presenting? <a href="/hcsb/acts/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> They took him and brought him to the Areopagus, and said, &#8220May we learn about this new teaching you&#8217re speaking of? <a href="/asv/acts/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> And they took hold of him, and brought him unto the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by thee? <a href="/cev/acts/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They brought Paul before a council called the Areopagus, and said, "Tell us what your new teaching is all about. <a href="/erv/acts/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> And they took hold of him, and brought him unto the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by thee? <a href="/gwt/acts/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then they brought Paul to the city court, the Areopagus, and asked, "Could you tell us these new ideas that you're teaching? <a href="/gnt/acts/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> So they took Paul, brought him before the city council, the Areopagus, and said, "We would like to know what this new teaching is that you are talking about. <a href="/isv/acts/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then they took him, brought him before the Areopagus, and asked, "May we know what this new teaching of yours is? <a href="/msb/acts/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, where they asked him, ?May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? <a href="/net/acts/17.htm">NET Bible</a> So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are proclaiming? <a href="/nheb/acts/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They took hold of him, and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by you? <a href="/wbt/acts/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And they took him, and brought him to Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine is, of which thou speakest? <a href="/wey/acts/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then they took him and brought him up to the Areopagus, asking him, "May we be told what this new teaching of yours is? <a href="/web/acts/17.htm">World English Bible</a> They took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which you are speaking about? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> having also taken him, they brought [him] to the Areopagus, saying, “Are we able to know what this new teaching [is] that is spoken by you, <a href="/blb/acts/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And having taken hold of him they brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "Are we able to know what is this new teaching which is spoken by you. <a href="/ylt/acts/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> having also taken him, unto the Areopagus they brought him, saying, 'Are we able to know what is this new teaching that is spoken by thee, <a href="/slt/acts/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And having taken him, they brought upon Mars' hill, saying, Can we know what this new teaching is, spoken by thee?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And taking him, they brought him to the Areopagus, saying: May we know what this new doctrine is, which thou speakest of? <a href="/cpdv/acts/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And apprehending him, they brought him to the Areopagus, saying: “Are we able to know what this new doctrine is, about which you speak? <a href="/nabre/acts/17.htm">New American Bible</a> They took him and led him to the Areopagus and said, “May we learn what this new teaching is that you speak of? <a href="/nrsvce/acts/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So they took him and brought him to the Areopagus and asked him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So they arrested him and brought him to the court house which is called Ar-e-op’agus, and said to him, May we know what is this new doctrine which you preach? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/17.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And they took him and brought him to the place of judgment, which is called Arios-Pagos, while they were saying to him, “Can we know what this new teaching is that you proclaim?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/17.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And they took him, and brought him to Mars hill, saying: Are we able to understand what this new teaching is, which is announced by you? <a href="/godbey/acts/17.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And taking him, they led him to the Areopagus, saying; Are we able to know what is this new teaching, spoken by thee? <a href="/haweis/acts/17.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> So they took him and led him to the hill of Mars, saying, May we know what this novel doctrine taught by thee is? <a href="/mace/acts/17.htm">Mace New Testament</a> One day they conducted him to the Areopagus, and said to him, may we know what this new doctrine is, which you publish? <a href="/wey/acts/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then they took him and brought him up to the Areopagus, asking him, "May we be told what this new teaching of yours is? <a href="/worrell/acts/17.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, laying hold of him, they led him upon Mars Hill, saying, "May we know what this new teaching is, that is being spoken by you! <a href="/worsley/acts/17.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And they took and brought him to the Areopagus, and said, May we know what this new doctrine is, of which thou speakest? <a href="/parallel/acts/17-19.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=5752" 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> …18Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection. 19<a href="/greek/5037.htm" title="5037: te (Conj) -- And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.">So</a> <a href="/greek/1949.htm" title="1949: Epilabomenoi (V-APM-NMP) -- To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent). ">they took</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Paul</a> <a href="/greek/71.htm" title="71: ēgagon (V-AIA-3P) -- A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.">and brought him</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/697.htm" title="697: Areion (N-AMS) -- From Ares and a derivative of pegnumi; rock of Ares, a place in Athens.">Areopagus,</a> <a href="/greek/697.htm" title="697: pagon (N-AMS) -- From Ares and a derivative of pegnumi; rock of Ares, a place in Athens."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">where they asked him,</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: Dynametha (V-PIM/P-1P) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">“May we</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: gnōnai (V-ANA) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">know</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: tis (IPro-NFS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: hautē (DPro-NFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/2537.htm" title="2537: kainē (Adj-NFS) -- Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; new">new</a> <a href="/greek/1322.htm" title="1322: didachē (N-NFS) -- Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction.">teaching is</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">that you</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when)."></a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: laloumenē (V-PPM/P-NFS) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">are presenting?</a> 20For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”…<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="/acts/17-22.htm">Acts 17:22-23</a> Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. / For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you. <a href="/acts/17-31.htm">Acts 17:31-32</a> For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” / When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this topic.” <a href="/acts/17-16.htm">Acts 17:16-18</a> While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply disturbed in his spirit to see that the city was full of idols. / So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those he met each day. / Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection. <a href="/acts/17-34.htm">Acts 17:34</a> But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others who were with them. <a href="/acts/17-24.htm">Acts 17:24-25</a> The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. / Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. <a href="/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28</a> ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ <a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Acts 17:30</a> Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. <a href="/acts/17-26.htm">Acts 17:26-27</a> From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. / God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. <a href="/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29</a> Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. <a href="/acts/17-33.htm">Acts 17:33</a> At that, Paul left the Areopagus. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22-24</a> Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, / but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, / but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. <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_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19-22</a> Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. / To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. / To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. ... <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a> But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, <a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Colossians 4:5-6</a> Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. / Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they took him, and brought him to Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof you speak, is?Areopagus.<a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Acts 17:22</a> 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.May.<a href="/acts/17-20.htm">Acts 17:20</a> For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.<a href="/acts/24-24.htm">Acts 24:24</a> And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.<a href="/acts/25-22.htm">Acts 25:22</a> Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.new.<a href="/mark/1-27.htm">Mark 1:27</a> And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.<a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34</a> A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.<a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">1 John 2:7,8</a> Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/17-34.htm">Areopagus</a> <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Are-Op'agus</a> <a href="/acts/15-29.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/acts/13-12.htm">Doctrine</a> <a href="/acts/1-12.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Mars</a> <a href="/acts/15-4.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/acts/15-2.htm">New</a> <a href="/acts/17-17.htm">Present</a> <a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Presenting</a> <a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Proclaiming</a> <a href="/john/19-10.htm">Speakest</a> <a href="/acts/16-21.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/acts/3-21.htm">Whereof</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Areopagus</a> <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Are-Op'agus</a> <a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/romans/6-17.htm">Doctrine</a> <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/acts/18-9.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Mars</a> <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/acts/17-21.htm">New</a> <a href="/acts/21-18.htm">Present</a> <a href="/exodus/35-24.htm">Presenting</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Proclaiming</a> <a href="/exodus/4-12.htm">Speakest</a> <a href="/acts/18-11.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/acts/17-31.htm">Whereof</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>So they took Paul Paul, a key figure in the early Christian church, was often taken or led by others due to his influential teachings. This reflects the common practice of philosophers and teachers being escorted to places of discussion. His being taken indicates both a level of respect and a desire to understand his message, despite potential underlying hostility.and brought him to the Areopagus The Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill, was a prominent rock outcropping in Athens, Greece. It served as a meeting place for the council of elders, which was responsible for overseeing matters of religion and education. This location is significant as it was a center for philosophical debate and legal matters, highlighting the importance of Paul's message being heard in such a setting. The Areopagus symbolizes the intersection of Greek philosophy and emerging Christian doctrine.where they asked him The act of asking Paul indicates a level of curiosity and openness among the Athenians. It reflects the Greek cultural value of dialogue and debate, which was central to their pursuit of knowledge and understanding. This approach aligns with the Socratic method, emphasizing inquiry and discussion.“May we know what this new teaching is The phrase "new teaching" suggests that Paul's message was perceived as novel and unfamiliar to the Athenians. This highlights the introduction of Christian doctrine into a predominantly polytheistic and philosophical society. The request to "know" underscores the Greek emphasis on knowledge and wisdom, as well as their interest in exploring new ideas.that you are presenting?” The word "presenting" implies that Paul was actively sharing and advocating for his beliefs. This reflects his role as an apostle and missionary, tasked with spreading the gospel. The Athenians' request to understand what Paul was presenting indicates their recognition of his authority and the potential impact of his teachings. This moment foreshadows the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities into the Gentile world, fulfilling the Great Commission.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who is central to this passage. He is in Athens, engaging with the local philosophers and thinkers. 2. <a href="/topical/a/areopagus.htm">Areopagus</a> A prominent rock outcropping in Athens, which served as a meeting place for the council of elders and a court. It was a center for philosophical debate and discussion. 3. <a href="/topical/a/athenians.htm">Athenians</a> The people of Athens, known for their love of philosophy and new ideas. They are curious about Paul's teachings. 4. <a href="/topical/e/epicureans_and_stoics.htm">Epicureans and Stoics</a> Philosophers who engaged with Paul earlier in the chapter, representing two major schools of thought in Athens. 5. <a href="/topical/n/new_teaching.htm">New Teaching</a> Refers to the Gospel message that Paul is presenting, which is unfamiliar to the Athenians.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><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 cultural context when sharing the Gospel. <a href="/topical/b/boldness_in_proclamation.htm">Boldness in Proclamation</a> Despite being in a place known for intellectual debate, Paul does not shy away from proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. <a href="/topical/t/the_search_for_truth.htm">The Search for Truth</a> The Athenians’ curiosity reflects a universal human desire to understand deeper truths, which can be a starting point for Gospel conversations. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_and_foolishness.htm">Wisdom and Foolishness</a> The Gospel may seem foolish to those who rely solely on human wisdom, but it is the power of God for salvation. <a href="/topical/a/adapting_the_message.htm">Adapting the Message</a> While the core message of the Gospel does not change, the way it is communicated can be adapted to different audiences.<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/why_is_the_areopagus_significant.htm">What is the significance of the Areopagus in history?</a> <a href="/q/key_events_of_paul's_2nd_journey.htm">What were the key events of Paul's second missionary journey?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_universal_church_of_god.htm">What is the timeline of Paul's life events?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_hellenism's_culture.htm">What defines the cultural practices of Hellenism?</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>(19) They took him, and brought him unto Areopagus.--The name may stand either for the Hill of Mars, simply as a locality, or for the Court which sat there, and was known as the Court of the Areopagus, and which, as the oldest and most revered tribunal in Athens, owing its origin to Athena, and connected with the story of Orestes and the worship of the propitiated Erinnyes (the Avengers) as the Eumenides (the Gentle Ones), still continued to exercise jurisdiction in all matters connected with the religion of the state, and numbered among its members men of the highest official rank. It had originally consisted only of those who had filled the office of Archon and were over sixty years of age. Its supreme authority had been in some measure limited by Pericles, and it was as the organ of the party who opposed the ideas of freedom and progress of which he was the representative, that 'schylus wrote the tragedy of the Eumenides, in which the divine authority of the Court was impressed upon men's minds. Here, however, the narrative that follows presents no trace of a formal trial, and hence it has been questioned whether the Apostle was brought before the Court of the Areopagus. Unless, however, there had been some intention of a trial, there seems no reason for their taking him to the Areopagus rather than to the Pnyx or elsewhere; and the mention of a member of the Court as converted by St. Paul's preaching, makes it probable that the Court was actually sitting at the time. The most natural explanation of the apparent difficulty is, that as the charge of bringing in "strange deities" was one which came under the jurisdiction of the Areopagus Court, the crowd who seized on St. Paul hurried him there, not presenting a formal indictment, but calling for a preliminary inquiry, that his speech accordingly, though of the nature of an apologia, was not an answer to a distinct accusation, and that having heard it, the Court looked on the matter as calling for no special action, and passed to the order of the day.May we know . . .?--The form of the question, courteous in semblance, but with a slight touch of sarcasm, is eminently characteristic in itself, and shows also that there was no formal accusation, though the words that followed suggested the thought that there possibly might be materials for one. What had been said was "strange" enough to require an explanation.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 19. - Took held of for took, A.V.; the Areopagus for Areopagus, A.V.; teaching is for doctrine... is, A.V.; which is spoken by thee for whereof thou speakest, A.V. Took hold of him. The word ἐπιλάβεσθαι means simply to "take hold of" the hand, the hair, a garment, etc. The context alone decides whether this taking held is friendly or hostile (for the former sense, see <a href="/matthew/14-31.htm">Matthew 14:31</a>; <a href="/mark/8-23.htm">Mark 8:23</a>; <a href="/luke/9-47.htm">Luke 9:47</a>; <a href="/luke/14-4.htm">Luke 14:4</a>; <a href="/acts/9-27.htm">Acts 9:27</a>; <a href="/acts/23-19.htm">Acts 23:19</a>, etc.; for the latter, <a href="/luke/23-26.htm">Luke 23:26</a>; <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">Acts 16:19</a>; <a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Acts 18:17</a>; <a href="/acts/21-30.htm">Acts 21:30, 33</a>). Here the sense is well expressed by Grotius (quoted by Meyer): "Taking him gently by the hand." The Areopagas. Mars' Hill, close to the Agora ("the market") on the north, was so called from the legend that Mars was tried there before the gods for the murder of a son of Neptune. It is (says Lewin) a bare, rugged rock, approached at the south-eastern corner by steps, of which sixteen still remain perfect. Its area at the top measures sixty paces by twenty-four, within which a quadrangle, sixteen paces square, is excavated and leveled for the court. The judges seem to have sat on benches tier above tier on the rising rock on the north side of the quadrangle. There were also seats on the east and west sides, and on the south on either side of the stairs. The Areopagus (the upper court) was the most august of all the courts at Athens. Socrates was tried and condemned before it for impiety. On the present occasion, there is no appearance of judicial proceedings, but they seem to have adjourned to the Areopagus from the Agora, as to a convenient place for quiet discussion. <a href="/commentaries/acts/17-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So τε (te) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_5037.htm">Strong's 5037: </a> And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also. they took Ἐπιλαβόμενοί (Epilabomenoi) Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1949.htm">Strong's 1949: </a> To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent). [Paul] αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. [and] brought [him] ἤγαγον (ēgagon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_71.htm">Strong's 71: </a> A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce. to ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Areopagus, Ἄρειον (Areion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_697.htm">Strong's 697: </a> From Ares and a derivative of pegnumi; rock of Ares, a place in Athens. [where] they asked [him], λέγοντες (legontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <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. “May we Δυνάμεθα (Dynametha) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. know γνῶναι (gnōnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. what τίς (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. this αὕτη (hautē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. new καινὴ (kainē) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2537.htm">Strong's 2537: </a> Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; new teaching [is] διδαχή (didachē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1322.htm">Strong's 1322: </a> Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction. [that] you σοῦ (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. are presenting? λαλουμένη (laloumenē) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/17-19.htm">Acts 17:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/17-19.htm">Acts 17:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/17-19.htm">Acts 17:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/17-19.htm">Acts 17:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/17-19.htm">Acts 17:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/17-19.htm">Acts 17:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/17-19.htm">Acts 17:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/17-19.htm">Acts 17:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/17-19.htm">Acts 17:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/17-19.htm">Acts 17:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/17-19.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 17:19 They took hold of him and brought (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/17-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 17:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 17:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/17-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 17:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 17:20" /></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>