Acts 17:20 Meaning and Explanation
“For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Athenians admit Paul's message sounds strange to them and ask what these things mean.
What Does Acts 17:20 Mean?
The council explains its summons: Paul brings strange things -- surprising, foreign-sounding words -- to Athenian ears, and they wish to know what these things mean. It is partly the curiosity of collectors inspecting an unfamiliar specimen; it is also a genuine opening.
What do these things mean? It is the question every honest hearer of the gospel eventually asks. The message of a crucified and risen Lord has never fit neatly into the categories of any age; its strangeness is part of its credential, for it comes from beyond us. Blessed is the listener who, finding the word strange, leans in rather than away -- and ready is the witness who can answer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 17:20
What does Acts 17:20 mean?
The Athenians admit Paul's message sounds strange to them and ask what these things mean.