And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

ACTS 17:19KJV
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Acts 17:19 (KJV)

What does Acts 17:19 mean?

Acts 17:19 describes how a group of people took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, asking him to explain the new teaching he was sharing. The verse shows that Paul's message was unfamiliar and sparked curiosity among the local thinkers in Athens.

In this scene, Paul is in Athens, speaking about Jesus and the resurrection. The people who hear him—likely philosophers and city leaders—are intrigued by his ideas, which sound new and different to them. The Areopagus was both a place (Mars Hill) and a council where important discussions happened, so bringing Paul there meant his message was being taken seriously and examined publicly.

The Greek behind Acts 17:19

  • Ἄρειος Πάγος (Areopagus, transliteration: Areios Pagos): This refers to the famous council and meeting place in Athens, known for philosophical and legal debates. Mentioning it signals that Paul's teaching was being considered in a formal, respected setting.
  • καινὴ (kainē, "new"): The Greek word here means "new" in the sense of something unfamiliar or novel. The Athenians were known for their interest in new ideas, so this word highlights why they were so eager to hear Paul.
  • διδαχή (didachē, "doctrine" or "teaching"): This word means more than just a belief; it refers to a structured set of teachings. The Athenians are not just curious about a single idea but about a whole new way of thinking that Paul is presenting.

Why Acts 17:19 matters

  • This verse shows that Paul's message about Jesus was not just ignored or dismissed; it was intriguing enough to be brought before the city's leading thinkers for discussion.
  • The setting at the Areopagus connects Paul's message to the broader world of Greek philosophy and public debate, showing early Christianity engaging with different cultures.
  • Understanding this moment helps explain the respectful but skeptical attitude of the Athenians—they are open to hearing new ideas but want to examine them carefully before accepting them.

Where else these words appear

“Areopagus” Greek G697 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 17:22 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.

“took” Greek G1949 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
  • Luke 20:26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
  • Acts 21:33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

“doctrine” Greek G1322 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

“new” Greek G2537 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Luke 5:38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
  • Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.