Meaning of Acts 17:20

The Athenians in Acts 17:20 express a mixture of curiosity and suspicion towards Paul's teachings. Having encountered numerous philosophical schools and foreign deities throughout their city, they are presented with ideas that are novel and, to their understanding, "strange." This phrase doesn't necessarily imply outright rejection or mockery, but rather a recognition that Paul's message is outside the established religious and philosophical frameworks with which they are familiar. They are not immediately hostile, but rather intellectually intrigued, seeking clarification because these new concepts challenge their existing worldview and require further examination. Their request to "know what they mean" is a polite, albeit cautious, invitation for Paul to elaborate on his message and persuade them of its validity.

Context and Background

This verse occurs during Paul's missionary journey in Athens, a city renowned as the intellectual and philosophical capital of the ancient world. Paul, having been left alone in Athens while Silas and Timothy were still in Thessalonica, walked through the city, observing its idolatry and engaging in discourse in the marketplace and the synagogue. His preaching about Jesus and the resurrection provoked a reaction from the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, who brought him to the Areopagus, a prominent hill where the city council met. It was in this setting, before an audience accustomed to sophisticated debate and diverse religious practices, that Paul delivered his famous sermon. The Athenians' response in Acts 17:20 is a direct reaction to this sermon, specifically to his proclamation of Jesus as Lord and the resurrection from the dead, concepts that were alien to their Hellenistic understanding.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Novelty of the Gospel: The core message of the Christian gospel, particularly the resurrection of Jesus, was indeed "strange" to the Greek mind, which often emphasized the soul's liberation from the material body, not its reanimation.
• Intellectual Curiosity vs. Genuine Faith: The Athenians demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a willingness to engage with new ideas. However, this curiosity does not automatically translate into genuine faith, highlighting the difference between intellectual assent and transformative belief.
• The Challenge of the Unfamiliar: The verse underscores how new and challenging ideas can elicit a complex response of inquiry and apprehension. It reflects the human tendency to question that which deviates from established norms.
• The Role of Reason and Revelation: Paul appealed to their reason by referencing their own philosophers and altars, but the ultimate truth he presented was based on divine revelation, which often transcends human reasoning.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse speaks to the ongoing challenge of sharing the Christian message in a world often preoccupied with its own philosophies and beliefs. It reminds believers that introducing the gospel may be met with confusion, skepticism, or even dismissal, as it often presents a radical departure from conventional thinking. The Athenians' request for understanding, however, also presents an opportunity. It is a call for Christians to be prepared to explain their faith clearly and winsomely, not with arrogance, but with a humble yet confident articulation of the truth. It encourages patience and persistence in evangelism, recognizing that understanding and acceptance may be a gradual process.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The Athenians' reaction is a microcosm of how the gospel has been received throughout history. From the initial rejection by many Jews who expected a political Messiah, to the philosophical critiques from the Greco-Roman world, the message of the cross and resurrection has consistently been perceived as foolishness by some and a stumbling block by others (1 Corinthians 1:23). However, it is also presented as the power of God to salvation for those who believe. Paul's experience in Athens, though met with mixed reception, ultimately led to some conversions, demonstrating that even among those who initially find the message "strange," the Holy Spirit can bring about understanding and faith.

Analogies

• Introducing a New Scientific Theory: Imagine a scientist presenting a groundbreaking theory that challenges established physics. Colleagues might initially find it "strange" and demand empirical evidence and logical explanation before accepting it.
• Learning a New Language: When encountering a language completely unfamiliar, the initial sounds and grammar can seem utterly "strange." It requires dedicated study and practice to grasp its meaning and structure.
• Encountering a Foreign Culture: Visiting a country with vastly different customs and traditions can be disorienting. You might observe behaviors that seem peculiar until you understand the underlying cultural context.

Relation to Other Verses

• 1 Corinthians 1:23-24: "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." This verse directly echoes the Athenians' perception of Paul's message as strange or foolish.
• 1 Peter 3:15: "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." This verse provides the mandate for how believers should respond to inquiries about their faith, mirroring the Athenians' request for understanding.
• John 14:6: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" This foundational statement of Jesus highlights the unique and exclusive nature of the Christian claim, which would naturally seem "strange" to those adhering to polytheistic or philosophical systems.
• Romans 10:14: "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?" This verse underscores the necessity of hearing the message before belief, and Paul's encounter in Athens is a prime example of this process.