Acts 17:20 (KJV)

What does Acts 17:20 mean?

Acts 17:20 shows the people of Athens telling Paul that the things he is saying sound very unusual to them, and they are asking him to explain what these new ideas mean. The verse highlights their curiosity and willingness to hear more about Paul's message, even though it sounds strange to them.

In this scene, Paul is in Athens, speaking in public about Jesus and the resurrection. The local philosophers and thinkers, known for discussing new ideas, have brought Paul to the Areopagus (a council or meeting place) to ask him about his teachings. Their statement in this verse is polite but direct—they are unfamiliar with Paul's message and want to understand it better.

The Greek behind Acts 17:20

• The word "strange things" comes from the Greek ξενίζοντα (xenizonta, from the root ξένος/xenos, meaning "foreign" or "strange"). This shows that Paul's teachings were completely new and unfamiliar to the Athenians.
• The Greek word for "mean" is θέλειν εἶναι (thelein einai), which carries the sense of wanting to know what something "wishes to be" or "intends to be." This suggests the Athenians are not just curious but are seeking the purpose or significance behind Paul's message.

Why Acts 17:20 matters

• This verse shows the open-mindedness of the Athenians—they do not reject Paul outright but invite him to explain further, which sets the stage for Paul's speech about the "unknown god."
• The verse highlights how Paul's message about Jesus was completely new to the Greek world, emphasizing the cultural gap between early Christianity and Greek philosophy.
• Acts 17:20 helps readers see that early Christian preaching often met with curiosity and questions, not just opposition or acceptance, reflecting the real process of sharing new beliefs in a diverse world.