Acts 17:19 Meaning and Explanation
“And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →They escort Paul to the Areopagus and ask him to explain his new teaching.
What Does Acts 17:19 Mean?
Intrigued, the philosophers bring Paul to the Areopagus -- at once a place, the ancient hill of Ares near the Acropolis, and the venerable council that weighed questions of religion, morals, and teaching in Athens. Their request is courteous: may we know what this new doctrine is?
The city that taught the world philosophy asks a traveling tentmaker to explain himself -- a door no strategy could have opened. Paul walks through it prepared, for his private grief (verse 16) and his daily conversations (verse 17) had been making him ready. When a curious world asks its honest questions, the believer's task is to answer plainly, trusting that the Lord of the message stands beside the messenger.
Acts 17:19 in the Original Language
Areios pagos (Ἄρειος πάγος), 'Areopagus' -- the hill of Ares (Mars), seat of an ancient Athenian council.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 17:19
What does Acts 17:19 mean?
They escort Paul to the Areopagus and ask him to explain his new teaching.