Acts 17:20 Meaning: When the Gospel Sounds Strange
For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
for certain strange things thou dost bring to our ears? we wish, then, to know what these things would wish to be;'
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears. We wish therefore to know what these things may mean.
Meaning in one sentence
Were the Athenians genuinely curious or just novelty-seekers? Acts 17:20 shows a moment where strange news can lead to real understanding.
Context
Paul had arrived in Athens, a city crowded with idols. His spirit was stirred, so he went to the synagogue and the marketplace, telling people about Jesus and the resurrection. Some philosophers from the Epicurean and Stoic schools heard him. They were not sure what to make of him. Some called him a babbler; others thought he was promoting foreign gods. They brought him to the Areopagus, the council on Mars Hill, and asked for an explanation. The verse records their request: they found his message strange, but they wanted to understand what it meant.
Key Words
The Greek word for 'strange things' is xenizonta, a participle that means 'things that strike someone as surprising or foreign.' It is stronger than just 'unusual', it suggests the message landed with impact, something the Athenians had never encountered. Their philosophers taught about gods and virtue, but a crucified and risen Savior was completely new. The verb 'we want to know' is boulometha, which implies a deliberate wish, a settled intention. They did not say, 'We are vaguely curious.' They said, 'We resolve to know.' And the word for 'know' is gnōnai, meaning to come to understand, to perceive clearly. Their request was not idle; it was a genuine opening. Sometimes the first step to faith is admitting that something sounds strange, and then asking what it means.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen different motives in the Athenians' question. Barnes and the Cambridge Bible note their surprise and treat the request as sincere: they genuinely wanted to understand this new teaching about Jesus and the resurrection. Matthew Henry, however, points to the next verse, which says the Athenians spent their time only hearing and telling new things. He leans toward seeing them as novelty-seekers, more entertained than transformed. Still, Paul did not dismiss them. He took their question seriously and gave them a full sermon about the living God. Whether their curiosity was shallow or deep, God used it to open a door. Both the shallow seeker and the sincere questioner are welcome to ask 'What does this mean?'
A common misunderstanding
A common mistake is to assume the Athenians were mocking Paul or hostile when they asked this question. In fact, they were intrigued. They had heard him preach in the marketplace and wanted a fuller explanation. Their request, 'We want to know what these things mean,' came from a place of genuine (if mixed) curiosity. Not every question about your faith is a challenge, sometimes it is an invitation to share more.
Living This Out
This week, you might hear something from Scripture or a sermon that sounds strange. Maybe it is a command you never noticed, or a promise that seems too good. Instead of brushing it aside, let it sit with you. Ask God, 'What does this mean?' You could also be the one bringing strange things to others' ears. When friends or family find your faith unusual, do not get defensive. Follow Paul's example: explain clearly, with respect. Their question might be the start of something real.
Main takeaway: A willingness to ask what the Gospel means, even when it sounds strange, can be the beginning of belief.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul told people about Jesus. Some people thought it sounded very strange. But they wanted to know more. You can ask questions about God too. He loves answering them.
For ages 9, 12
Paul was in Athens, a city where people loved talking about new ideas. When they heard about Jesus rising from the dead, they thought it was strange, not like any story they had heard before. But instead of walking away, they asked Paul to explain. Asking honest questions about faith is a good thing. It shows you are ready to learn.
Questions People Ask
Why did the Athenians call Paul's teaching 'strange'?
They had never heard about a man rising from the dead or about a God who was not made of stone or gold. Paul's message came from a different world than their Greek philosophy. It sounded foreign to them, so they called it strange.
Was the Areopagus a court or a lecture hall?
The Areopagus was an ancient council that met on a hill in Athens. It had a role in judging religious and moral matters. In this case, they invited Paul to explain himself, so it functioned more like a hearing than a trial.
Did the Athenians really want to understand, or were they just bored?
The next verse says the Athenians spent their time hearing and telling new things. Some may have been curious in a shallow way. But their question to Paul was direct and sincere. Paul took it seriously and answered with a full sermon about the living God.
What did Paul say next after this verse?
Paul stood up and gave a famous speech. He pointed to an altar labeled 'To an Unknown God' and said that God does not live in temples made by hands. He called them to repentance and announced that Jesus was raised from the dead to judge the world.
How can I respond when someone says my faith sounds strange?
Do not get defensive. Remember that the Gospel often sounds strange to people who have never heard it. Follow Paul: explain clearly, respect their questions, and trust that the Holy Spirit works through your words.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study