New International Version You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” New Living Translation “You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.” English Standard Version For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” Berean Standard Bible For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.” Berean Literal Bible For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. We resolve, therefore, to know what these things wish to be.” King James Bible For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. New King James Version For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” New American Standard Bible For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; so we want to know what these things mean.” NASB 1995 “For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; so we want to know what these things mean.” NASB 1977 “For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; we want to know therefore what these things mean.” Legacy Standard Bible For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. So we want to know what these things mean.” Amplified Bible For you are bringing some startling and strange things to our ears; so we want to know what they mean.” Berean Annotated Bible For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean. Christian Standard Bible Because what you say sounds strange to us, and we want to know what these things mean.” Holman Christian Standard Bible For what you say sounds strange to us, and we want to know what these ideas mean.” American Standard Version For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. Contemporary English Version We have heard you say some strange things, and we want to know what you mean." English Revised Version For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. GOD'S WORD® Translation Some of the things you say sound strange to us. So we would like to know what they mean." Good News Translation Some of the things we hear you say sound strange to us, and we would like to know what they mean." ( International Standard Version It sounds rather strange to our ears, and we would like to know what it means." NET Bible For you are bringing some surprising things to our ears, so we want to know what they mean." New Heart English Bible For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean." Webster's Bible Translation For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears; we would know therefore what these things mean. Weymouth New Testament For the things you are saying sound strange to us. We should therefore like to be told exactly what they mean." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.” World English Bible For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor you bring certain strange things to our ears? We resolve, then, to know what these things would wish to be”; Berean Literal Bible For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. We resolve, therefore, to know what these things wish to be.” Young's Literal Translation for certain strange things thou dost bring to our ears? we wish, then, to know what these things would wish to be;' Smith's Literal Translation For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we wish therefore to know what these things may be. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor thou bringest in certain new things to our ears. We would know therefore what these things mean. Catholic Public Domain Version For you bring certain new ideas to our ears. And so we would like to know what these things mean.” New American Bible For you bring some strange notions to our ears; we should like to know what these things mean.” New Revised Standard Version It sounds rather strange to us, so we would like to know what it means.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor you proclaim strange words to our ears and we want to know what these things mean. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “For you have sown strange words in our hearing and we wish to know what these things are.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor you bring some strange things to our ears: we wish to understand then what these things mean. Godbey New Testament For you bring certain strange things to our hearing: therefore we desire to know what these things wish to be. Haweis New Testament For thou bringest some strange stories to our ears; we wish therefore to know what these things mean. Mace New Testament for what you say sounds so very strange, we should be glad to know what it means. Weymouth New Testament For the things you are saying sound strange to us. We should therefore like to be told exactly what they mean." Worrell New Testament for you bring to our ears certain strange things; we wish, therefore, to know what these things mean." Worsley New Testament For thou bringest strange things to our ears; we would therefore know what these things mean. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Paul in Athens…19So 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? 20For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.” 21Now all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing more than hearing and articulating new ideas.… Cross References For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, Hebrews 13:9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace and not by foods of no value to those devoted to them. Mark 1:27 All the people were amazed and began to ask one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him!” 2 Timothy 4:3 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. and we want to know what they mean.” Acts 10:17 While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house and approached the gate. Luke 8:9 Then His disciples asked Him what this parable meant. John 16:18 They kept asking, “Why is He saying, ‘a little while’? We do not understand what He is saying.” 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 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. 1 Corinthians 2:14 The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 4:9-10 For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men. / We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 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. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. / The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Colossians 2:8 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. Isaiah 29:14 Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.” Treasury of Scripture For you bring certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. strange. Hosea 8:12 I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing. Matthew 19:23-25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven… Mark 10:24-26 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! … what. Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Acts 10:17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, Mark 9:10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. Jump to Previous Desire Ears Exactly Ideas Mean Mean Seem Sense Sound Strange Want WishJump to Next Desire Ears Exactly Ideas Mean Mean Seem Sense Sound Strange Want WishActs 17 1. Paul preaches at Thessalonica, where some believe,5. and others persecute him. 10. He is sent to Berea, and preaches there. 13. Being persecuted by Jews from Thessalonica, 16. he comes to Athens, and disputes and preaches the living God, to them unknown; 32. whereby, though some mock, many are converted unto Christ. For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, Paul’s teaching about Jesus and the resurrection was unfamiliar to many Athenians, whose city was marked by idolatry and competing philosophical ideas. The resurrection especially challenged Greek views that often treated the body as inferior to the soul. Heb 13:9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings,… and we want to know what they mean.” Their curiosity gave Paul an opportunity to explain the gospel before the Areopagus. He would begin with their own religious setting, including an altar dedicated to an unknown god, and proclaim the one true God, His creation, His judgment, and the resurrection of Jesus. Act 10:17 While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision… Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who is speaking in Athens, sharing the Gospel with the people there. 2. Athens A city known for its rich history in philosophy and learning, where Paul is engaging with both Jews and Gentiles. 3. Areopagus A prominent rock outcropping in Athens where philosophical discussions and legal matters were often held. 4. Epicureans and Stoics Philosophers who engaged with Paul, representing two major schools of thought in Athens. 5. The Athenians and Foreigners The audience who were curious about Paul's teachings, known for their interest in new ideas. Teaching Points Engaging Culture with the GospelPaul demonstrates how to engage with a culture that is unfamiliar with the Gospel. He uses their own context and interests as a starting point for sharing the truth. Curiosity as an Opportunity The Athenians' curiosity about "strange notions" can be seen as an opportunity for evangelism. We should be prepared to explain our faith to those who are curious. Understanding Worldviews Paul’s interaction with the Epicureans and Stoics shows the importance of understanding different worldviews to effectively communicate the Gospel. The Power of the Gospel Despite the Athenians' intellectualism, Paul remains confident in the power of the Gospel to transform lives. Respectful Dialogue Paul’s respectful approach in addressing the Athenians serves as a model for engaging in dialogue with those who hold different beliefs. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 17:20?2. How does Acts 17:20 challenge us to discern new teachings biblically? 3. What role does curiosity play in understanding God's message in Acts 17:20? 4. How can Acts 17:20 inspire us to engage with unfamiliar biblical teachings? 5. Compare Acts 17:20 with 1 John 4:1 on testing new teachings. 6. How can we apply Acts 17:20 to conversations about faith with others? 7. What does Acts 17:20 reveal about the nature of new teachings in early Christianity? 8. How does Acts 17:20 challenge the perception of truth in religious discourse? 9. Why were the Athenians intrigued by Paul's message in Acts 17:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 17? (20) Thou bringest certain strange things.--The adjective stands for a Greek participle, things that startle, or leave an impression of strangeness.Verse 20. - Strange things. Χενίζειν, in this use of it, means to act or play the foreigner, to imitate the manners and language and appearance of a foreigner (ξένος), just as Ἰουδαίζειν Ἐλληνίζειν Αττικίζειν, etc., mean to Judaize, Hellenize, Atticize, etc. Here, then, the Athenians say that St. Paul's doctrines have a foreign air, do not look like native Athenian speculations. Acts 17:20 captures a divine moment: God brings His messenger before thoughtful skeptics, their curiosity primed. The council’s words reveal surprise, attentive hearing, genuine inquiry, and readiness to learn—all arranged by the Lord so that Paul can proclaim the risen Christ. Whenever we carry the same “strange” yet saving message, we follow the pattern set here: bring the gospel boldly, trust it will reach human ears, welcome earnest questions, and explain its meaning with clarity and conviction. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Forγάρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. you are bringing εἰσφέρεις (eisphereis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 1533: To lead into, bring in, announce. From eis and phero; to carry inward. some τινα (tina) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. strange notions ξενίζοντα (xenizonta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3579: (a) I entertain a stranger, (b) I startle, bewilder. From xenos; to be a host; by implication, be strange. to εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. ears, ἀκοὰς (akoas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 189: Hearing, faculty of hearing, ear; report, rumor. From akouo; hearing. [and] οὖν (oun) Conjunction Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. we want βουλόμεθα (boulometha) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural Strong's 1014: To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to 'will, ' i.e. be willing. to know γνῶναι (gnōnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. what τίνα (tina) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. [they] ταῦτα (tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. mean.” θέλει (thelei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. Additonal Resources Acts 17:20 Blue Letter BibleActs 17:20 Bible Gateway Acts 17:20 Bible.com Acts 17:20 NIV |
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