How can Acts 17:20 inspire us to engage with unfamiliar biblical teachings? Setting the Scene in Athens Acts 17 finds Paul addressing philosophers on the Areopagus. They interrupt with this remark: “For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.” (Acts 17:20) That single sentence models a posture we can adopt whenever we meet a biblical truth that feels “strange” or new to us. Learning from Their Curiosity • The Athenians admit the message is unfamiliar. They do not deny the strangeness. • They verbalize a desire to understand: “we want to know what they mean.” • They grant Paul space to explain further, showing respect for the messenger. This blend of honest admission and eager inquiry can mark our own approach to portions of Scripture we have not yet grasped. Principles for Engaging New Biblical Insights • Acknowledge the unfamiliar without defensiveness. Scripture is infallible, so any surprise comes from our limited understanding, not from error in God’s Word (Psalm 119:160). • Pursue meaning. The Athenians wanted an explanation; so should we—asking “What does the text actually say?” before forming conclusions (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Stay teachable. Even seasoned believers encounter passages that refine their theology (Proverbs 2:3-5). Guardrails of Discernment • Compare Scripture with Scripture. The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true” (Acts 17:11). • Test every spirit and teaching (1 John 4:1). God’s inerrant Word never contradicts itself; apparent tensions invite deeper study. • Hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21), discarding ideas that fail the test of literal, grammatical-historical interpretation. Practical Steps for Today 1. Read the passage in context—surrounding verses, chapter, and book. 2. Consult reliable, text-honoring study tools (lexicons, conservative commentaries). 3. Write down questions that arise; seek answers in the broader canon before outside sources. 4. Discuss findings with mature believers who also submit to Scripture’s authority (Proverbs 27:17). 5. Obey what you discover. Revelation brings responsibility (James 1:22-25). Encouragement to Keep Listening to God’s Word Just as the Athenians invited Paul to continue, we invite the Holy Spirit to keep illuminating the living, flawless Word. Each “strange notion” we patiently explore often becomes a treasured, life-shaping truth. |
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