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Acts 17:22

Acts 17:22 in Multiple Translations

Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious.

¶ Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye are very religious.

And Paul got to his feet on Mars' Hill and said, O men of Athens, I see that you are overmuch given to fear of the gods.

Paul stood up right in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “People of Athens, I notice you are very religious about everything.

Then Paul stoode in the mids of Mars streete, and sayde, Yee men of Athens, I perceiue that in all things yee are too superstitious.

And Paul, having stood in the midst of the Areopagus, said, 'Men, Athenians, in all things I perceive you as over-religious;

Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars-hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

But Paul standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious.

Then Paul stood up before the men of the city council and said, “Citizens of Athens, I see that you ◄are very religious/think that it is very important to worship many gods►.

Then Paul stood up and talked to the council mob at Athens. He said, “I can see that you Athens mob think a lot about gods.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 17:22

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Acts 17:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK σταθεις δε ο παυλος εν μεσω του αρειου παγου εφη ανδρες αθηναιοι κατα παντα ως δεισιδαιμονεστερους υμας θεωρω
σταθεις histēmi G2476 to stand Verb-APP-NSM
δε de G1161 then Conj
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
παυλος Paulos G3972 Paul Noun-NSM
εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep
μεσω mesos G3319 midst Adj-DSN
του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM
αρειου Areios Pagos G697 Areopagus Noun-GSM
παγου Areios Pagos G697 Areopagus Noun-GSM
εφη phēmi G5346 to assert Verb-IAI-3S
ανδρες anēr G435 man Noun-VPM
αθηναιοι Athēnaios G117 Athenian Adj-VPM
κατα kata G2596 according to Prep
παντα pas G3956 all Adj-APN
ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv
δεισιδαιμονεστερους deisidaimōn G1174 religious Adj-APM-C
υμας su G4771 you Pron-2AP
θεωρω theōreō G2334 to see/experience Verb-PAI-1S
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Greek Word Reference — Acts 17:22

σταθεις histēmi G2476 "to stand" Verb-APP-NSM
To stand means to be in an upright position, either physically or figuratively, as seen in Mark 7:9 and Acts 1:23. It can also mean to establish or appoint someone to a position, like in Acts 1:23 and Hebrews 10:9.
Definition: ἵστημι, and in late writers, also ἱστάνω (Veitch, see word; Bl., §23, 2; M, Pr., 55), [in LXX chiefly for עמד, קוּם, also for נצב ni., hi., יצב hith., etc.]. __I. Trans, in pres., impf., fut. and 1 aor. act. and in the tenses of the pass. __1. to make to stand, to place, set, set up, establish, appoint: with accusative of person(s), Mrk.7:9, Act.1:23 6:13 17:31, Heb.10:9; id. before ἐπί, with accusative loc, Mat.4:5, Luk.4:9; ἐν μέσῳ, Mat.18:2, Mrk.9:36, Jhn.8:[3]; ἐνώπιον, Act.6:6; παρ᾽ ἑαυτῷ, Luk.9:47; ἐκ δεξιῶν, Mat.25:33; mid., to place oneself, to stand: Rev.18:15; so also pass., to be made to stand, to stand: Mat.2:9, Luk.11:18 19:8, 2Co.13:1, al. __2. to set in a balance, to weigh (cl.; LXX for שׁקל, Isa.46:6, al.): Mat.26:15, __II. Intrans., in pf., plpf. (with sense of present and impf.; M, Pr., 147f.) and 2 aor. act., to stand, stand by, stand still: Mat.20:32 26:73, Mrk.10:49, Luk.8:44, Jhn.1:35 3:29, Act.16:9, al.; before ἐν, Mat.6:5, al.; ἐνώπιον, Act.10:30, al.; πρός, with dative loc., Jhn.18:16; ἐπί, with genitive loc., Luk.6:17, Act.5:23 25:10, al.; ἔμπροσθεν, Mat.27:11; κύκλῳ, Rev.7:11; ἐκ δεξιῶν, Luk.1:11; ἐπί, with accusative, Mat.13:2, Rev.3:20; παρά, Luk.5:2; ἐκεῖ, Mrk.11:5; ὧδε, Mrk.9:1; ὅπου, Mrk.13:14; ἔξω, Mat.12:46; μακρόθεν, Luk.18:13; πόρρωθεν, Luk.17:12. Metaphorical, to stand ready, stand firm, be steadfast: 1Co.7:37 10:12, Eph.6:11, 13 14, Col.4:12; τ. πίστει, Rom.11:20; ἐν τ. ἀληθείᾳ, Jhn.8:44; εν τ. χάριτι, Rom.5:2; ἐν τ. εὐαγγελίῳ, 1Co.15:1 (cf. ἀν-, ἐπ-ἀν-, ἐξ-ἀν, ἀνθ-, ἀφ-, δι-, ἐν-, ἐξ-, ἐπ- (-μαι), ἐφ-, κατ-ἐφ-, συν-ἐφ-, καθ-, ἀντι-καθ-, ἀπο-καθ-, μεθ-, παρ-, περι-, προ-, συν-ίστημι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 150 NT verses. KJV: abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up) See also: 1 Corinthians 7:37; Luke 6:17; 1 Peter 5:12.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
παυλος Paulos G3972 "Paul" Noun-NSM
Paul, originally named Saul, was a Roman apostle who wrote many letters in the New Testament, including Romans and 1 Corinthians. He is a key figure in the early Christian church.
Definition: Παῦλος, -ου, ὁ (Lat. Paulus), __1. Sergius Paulus: Act.13:7. __2. the Apostle Paul (cf. Σαῦλος): Act.13:9, and frequently throughout Ac., Rom.1:1, 1Co.1:1, al., 2Pe.3:15. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 159 NT verses. KJV: Paul, Paulus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 20:37; Romans 1:1.
εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep
This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.
Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.
μεσω mesos G3319 "midst" Adj-DSN
Middle or midst, referring to a central position, is used in Luke 23:45 and John 19:18 to describe a location.
Definition: μέσος, -η, -ον [in LXX chiefly for תָּוֶךְ ;] middle, in the middle or midst; __1. prop., as an adj.: Luk.23:45, Jhn.19:18, Act.1:18; with genitive pl., Luk.22:55, Jhn.1:26; genitive temp. (Bl., § 36, 13), μέσης νυκτός, Mat.25:6; μ. ἡμέρας, Act.26:13. __2. In adverbial phrases, neut., μέσον, τὸ μ., as subst.: ἀνὰ μέσον, with genitive, between (cl.; in LXX: Gen.1:4, al.), elliptically (but see M, Pr., 99), 1Co.6:5; = ἐν μ., among, in the midst of (El., § 39, 2; 40, 8; cf. in LXX: Jos.19:1, Sir.27:2), Mat.13:25, Mrk.7:31, Rev.7:17; διὰ μέσου, with genitive, Luk.4:30; διὰ μέσον (Rec. -ου, see 81., § 42, 1), between, Luk.17:11 (ICC, in l); εἰς τὸ μ. (see: εἰς), Mrk.3:3, Luk.4:35 5:19 6:8, Jhn.20:19, 26; εἰς μ., Mrk.14:60; ἐν τῷ μ., Mat.14:6; ἐν μ., Jos.8:3, 9, Act.4:7; with, genitive loc., Mrk.6:47, Luk.21:21 22:55, Act.17:22, Heb.2:12" (LXX), Rev.4:6 5:6 22:2. with genitive pl., Mat.10:16 18:2, 20, Mrk.9:36, Luk.2:46 8:7 10:3 22:27 24:36, Act.1:15 2:22 27:21, 1Th.2:7, Rev.1:13 2:1 5:6 6:6; κατὰ μέσον τ. νυκτός, Act.27:27 (Bl., § 47, 6); ἐκ τοῦ μ. (Lft., in l; Deiss., BS, 252 f.), Col.2:14; ἐκ μ.., 2Th.2:7; ἐκ τοῦ μ., with genitive, Mat.13:49, Act.17:33 23:10, 1Co.5:2, 2Co.6:17. __3. Neut., μέσον, adverbially, with genitive, in the midst of, Mat.14:24 (WH, txt., R, mg., aliter), Php.2:15 (διὰ μέσου­see supr.-also Jhn.8:50, R, mg.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 58 NT verses. KJV: among, X before them, between, + forth, mid(-day, -night), midst, way See also: 1 Corinthians 5:2; Luke 8:7; Hebrews 2:12.
του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
αρειου Areios Pagos G697 "Areopagus" Noun-GSM
The Areopagus was a hill in Athens where the highest court in the city met to make important decisions. In Acts 17:19 and 22, the Apostle Paul preached to the people of Athens on this hill. It was a significant location in ancient Greece.
Definition: Ἄρειος Πάυος (T, Ἄριος Π.), -ου, ὁ Hill of Pres or Mars, Areopagus; also, the Court of Areopagus, the highest tribunal of Athens: Act.17:19, 22.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Areopagus, Mars' Hill See also: Acts 17:19; Acts 17:22.
παγου Areios Pagos G697 "Areopagus" Noun-GSM
The Areopagus was a hill in Athens where the highest court in the city met to make important decisions. In Acts 17:19 and 22, the Apostle Paul preached to the people of Athens on this hill. It was a significant location in ancient Greece.
Definition: Ἄρειος Πάυος (T, Ἄριος Π.), -ου, ὁ Hill of Pres or Mars, Areopagus; also, the Court of Areopagus, the highest tribunal of Athens: Act.17:19, 22.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Areopagus, Mars' Hill See also: Acts 17:19; Acts 17:22.
εφη phēmi G5346 "to assert" Verb-IAI-3S
To assert or declare, meaning to speak or say something, as seen in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:23. It is often used to quote someone's words or make a statement.
Definition: φημί [in LXX chiefly for נָאַם, also for אָמַר; frequently in 2-4 Mac ;] to declare, say: frequently in quoting the words of another, Mat.13:29 26:61, Luk.7:40 22:58, Jhn.1:23, al.; interjected into the recorded words (cl.), Mat.14:8, Act.23:35, al.; φησί, impersonal (Bl., § 30, 4), 1Co.6:16 (Lft., Notes, 217; but cf. Bl., l.with), 2Co.10:10 (WH, mg., φασίν), Heb.8:5; joined with syn. verb (cf. LS, see word, II, 2), ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ ἔφη, Luk.23:3; before -πρός, Luk.22:70, al.; with accusative of thing(s), 1Co.10:15 10:19; accusative and inf., Rom.3:8; before ὅτι (Bl., § 70, 3), 1Co.10:19 15:50 (cf. σύν-φημι) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 58 NT verses. KJV: affirm, say See also: 1 Corinthians 6:16; Acts 26:25; Hebrews 8:5.
ανδρες anēr G435 "man" Noun-VPM
A man in the Bible refers to an adult male, often in contrast to a woman or child. It can also describe a husband, as seen in Matthew 1:16 and Romans 7:2. The term is used to address or describe individuals, such as a prophet or brother.
Definition: ἀνήρ, ἀνδρός, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ, frequently אֱנוֹשׁ, also אָדָם, etc. ;] a man, Lat. vir. __1. As opposite to a woman, Act.8:12, 1Ti.2:12; as a husband, Mat.1:16, Jhn.4:16, Rom.7:2, Tit.1:6. __2. As opposite to a boy or infant, 1Co.13:11, Eph.4:13, Jas.3:2. __3. In appos. with a noun or adj., as ἀ. ἁμαρτωλός, Luk.5:8; ἀ. προφήτης, 24:19; frequently in terms of address, as ἀ. ἀδελφοί, Act.1:16; and esp. with gentilic names, as ἀ. Ἰουδαῖος, Act.22:3; ἀ. Ἐφέσιοι, 19:35. __4. In general, a man, a male person: = τις, Luk.8:41, Act.6:11. SYN.: ἄνθρωπος, which see (cf. MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 192 NT verses. KJV: fellow, husband, man, sir See also: 1 Corinthians 7:2; Acts 18:24; 1 Peter 3:1.
αθηναιοι Athēnaios G117 "Athenian" Adj-VPM
An Athenian refers to someone from Athens, as seen in the Iliad by Homer. This term is used to describe people from the city of Athens. In the Bible, it is used to identify people from this city.
Definition: Athenian, of or from Athens , (Iliad by Homer), etc (ML)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Athenian See also: Acts 17:21; Acts 17:22.
κατα kata G2596 "according to" Prep
According to means following or matching something. In the Bible, it's used to talk about things happening in line with God's plan or will, like in Matthew 8:32 and Mark 5:13.
Definition: κατά (bef. a vowel κατ᾽, καθ᾽; on the frequently neglect of elision, see Tdf., Pr., 95; WH, App., 146a), prep. with genitive, accusative, down, downwards. __I. C. genitive (WM, §47, k; Bl., §42, 2). __1. C. genitive of thing(s), in local sense; __(a) down, down from: Mat.8:32, Mrk.5:13, Luk.8:33, 1Co.11:4; __(b) throughout (late usage; Bl, l.with): κ. ὅλης κ.τ.λ., Luk.4:14 23:5, Act.9:31 10:37; __(with) in a peculiar adjectival phrase: ἡ κ. βάθους, deep or extreme poverty, 2Co.8:2. __ __2. C. genitive of person(s), usually in hostile sense; __(a) against (in cl. only after verbs of speaking, witnessing, etc.): opposite to ὑπέρ, Mrk.9:40; μετά, Mat.12:30; after ἐπιθυμεῖν, Gal.5:17; λαλεῖν, Act.6:13; διδάσκειν, Act.21:28; ψεύδεσθαι, Jas.3:14; after verbs of accusing, etc., Mat.5:23, Luk.23:14, Rom.8:33, al.; verbs of fighting, prevailing, etc., Mat.10:35, Act.14:2, 1Co.4:6, al.; __(b) of swearing, by: όμνυμι κ. (BL, §34, 1), He 6:13,16, cf. Mat.26:63. __II. C. accusative (WM, §49d; BL, §42, 2). __1. Of motion or direction; __(a) through, throughout: Luk.8:39 9:6 10:4, Act.8:1, 36 al.; __(b) to, towards, over against: Luk.10:32 (Field, Notes, 62), Act.2:1o 16:7, Gal.2:11, Php.3:14, al.; __ __(with) in adverbial phrases, at, in, by, of: κατ᾽ οἶκον, at home, Act.2:46; κατ᾽ ἰδίαν (see: ἴδιος); καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Rom.14:22, Jas.2:17; with pron. of person(s), Act.17:28 18:15, Rom.1:15, Eph.1:15, al. __2. Of time, at, during, about: Act.8:26 12:1 19:23, Rom.9:9 Heb.1:10, al. __3. Distributive; __(a) of place: κ. τόποὐς, Mat.24:7, al.; κ. πόλιν, Luk.8:1, 4 al.; κ. ἐκκλησίαν, Act.14:23. __(b) of time: κ. ἔτος, Luk.2:41; ἑορτήν, Mat.27:15, al.; __(with) of numbers, etc.: καθ᾽ ἕνα πάντες, 1Co.14:31 (on καθ᾽ εἷς, see: εἷς); κ. ἑκατόν, Mrk.6:40; κ. μέρος, Heb.9:5; κ. ὄνομα, Jhn.10:3. __4. Of fitness, reference, conformity, etc.; __(a) in relation to, concerning: Rom.1:3, 4 7:22 9:3, 5, 1Co.12:6 10:18, Php.1:12; κ. πάντα, Act.17:22, Col.3:20, 22 Heb.2:17 4:15; __(b) according to, after, like: Mrk.7:5, Luk.2:27, 29 Jhn.7:24 Rom.8:4 14:15, Eph.2:2, Col.2:8, Jas.2:8, al. __III. In composition, κ. denotes, __1. down, down from (καταβαίνω), etc.), hence, metaphorically; __(a) victory or rule over (καταδουλόω, -κυριεύω, etc.); __(b) "perfective" action (M, Pr., 111ff.). __2. under (κατακαλύπτω), etc.). __3. in succession (καθεξῆς). __4. after, behind (καταλείπω). __5. Hostility, against (καταλαλέω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 435 NT verses. KJV: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 10:37; 1 Peter 1:2.
παντα pas G3956 "all" Adj-APN
This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.
Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.
ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv
This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.
Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.
δεισιδαιμονεστερους deisidaimōn G1174 "religious" Adj-APM-C
This word describes someone who is very religious, possibly even too focused on rules and traditions. In Acts 17:22, Paul encounters people in Athens who are extremely religious. They have many idols and altars, showing their strong fear of the gods.
Definition: δεισι-δαίμων, -ον (δείδω, to fear; δαίμων, deity) reverent to the deity, religious; compar. -μονεστέρους (AV, too superstitious, R, txt., somewhat superstitious, a sense in wh. the word is sometimes used; cf. Field, Notes, 125), more religious, God fearing, than others, quite religious (Abbott, Essays, 105 ff.; Deiss., LAE, 285): Act.17:22.† SYN.: εὐσεβής (which see), θεοσεβής, θρῆσκος (Cremer, 681; DB, ext., 142 a). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: too superstitious See also: Acts 17:22.
υμας su G4771 "you" Pron-2AP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
θεωρω theōreō G2334 "to see/experience" Verb-PAI-1S
To see or experience something means to discern or acknowledge it, as seen in John 6:40 and Acts 3:16. This Greek word is about perceiving or understanding something, whether physically or spiritually. It is used to describe a deep level of awareness or insight.
Definition: θεωρέω, -ῶ (θεωρός, a spectator, θεάομαι) [in LXX chiefly for רָאָה, חָזָה ;] (present and imperfect only, exc. Jhn.7:3 (fut.), Mat.28:1, Luk.23:48, Jhn.8:51, Rev.11:12 (aor.); El., § 24); __1. (cl.), to look at, gaze, behold: absol., Mat.27:55, Mrk.15:40, Luk.23:35; before πῶς, Mrk.12:41; ποῦ, Mrk.15:47; with accusative of person(s), Jhn.6:40, 62 12:45 16:10-19, Act.3:16 20:38 25:24, Rev.11:11-12; id. with ptcp., Mrk.5:15, Luk.10:18, Jhn.6:19 10:12 20:12, 14, 1Jn.3:17; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.28:1, Luk.14:29 21:6 23:48, Jhn.2:23 6:2 7:3, Act.4:13 8:13; id. with ptcp., Jhn.20:6, Act.7:56 10:11; before ὅτι, Act.19:26. __2. In popular lang. (Kennedy, Sources, 155; EL, § 24, see word ὁρᾶν), in present and imperfect = ὁράω, to see, perceive, discern: before ὅτι, Mrk.16:4, Jhn.4:19 12:19, Act.19:26 27:10; πόσαι, Act.21:20; πηλίκος, Heb.7:4; with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.5:38; id. with ptcp., Act.17:16 28:6; with accusative of person(s), Mrk.3:11, Jhn.14:19, Act.9:7 17:22; πνεῦμα, Luk.24:37; τὸ π., Jhn.14:17; before ὅτι, Jhn.9:8; with ptcp., Luk.24:39. __3. Hebraistically, to experience, partake of: τ. θάνατον, Jhn.8:51 (cf. Psa.89:49); τ. δόξαν, Jhn.17:24 (cf. ἀνα-, παρα-θερρέω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 55 NT verses. KJV: behold, consider, look on, perceive, see See also: 1 John 3:17; John 14:17; Hebrews 7:4.

Study Notes — Acts 17:22

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 25:19 They only had some contentions with him regarding their own religion and a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
2 Acts 19:35 Finally the city clerk quieted the crowd and declared, “Men of Ephesus, doesn’t everyone know that the city of Ephesus is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven?
3 Acts 17:16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply disturbed in his spirit to see that the city was full of idols.
4 Jeremiah 50:38 A drought is upon her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is a land of graven images, and the people go mad over idols.
5 Jeremiah 10:2–3 This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman.

Acts 17:22 Summary

[In Acts 17:22, Paul observes that the Athenians are very religious, meaning they have a strong devotion to their beliefs and practices. However, as seen in Romans 1:21-23, being religious does not necessarily mean having a true relationship with God. Paul's statement sets the stage for him to share the Gospel with the Athenians, as he will go on to proclaim the one true God in Acts 17:23-24. This reminds us that we should be careful not to confuse religiosity with a genuine relationship with God, as emphasized in John 17:3.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'very religious' as mentioned in Acts 17:22?

Being very religious, as mentioned in Acts 17:22, means having a strong devotion to one's beliefs and practices, as seen in the Athenians' many objects of worship, but it does not necessarily mean having a true relationship with God, as emphasized in John 17:3 and Romans 1:21-23.

How does this verse relate to the concept of idolatry in the Bible?

This verse highlights the idolatrous tendencies of the Athenians, which is a common theme in the Bible, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 10:14, where God warns against worshiping false gods and idols.

What can we learn from Paul's approach to evangelism in this verse?

Paul's approach in Acts 17:22 shows that we should be respectful and observant of the beliefs and practices of those we are trying to reach, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23, while still being bold in proclaiming the truth of the Gospel.

How does this verse set the stage for the rest of Paul's sermon in Acts 17?

This verse sets the stage for Paul's sermon by acknowledging the Athenians' religious nature, which allows him to build a bridge to the Gospel, as seen in Acts 17:23-24, where he proclaims the one true God to them.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be 'very religious' without truly knowing God, and how can I examine my own heart and motivations?
  2. How can I, like Paul, observe the spiritual climate of my surroundings and use that as an opportunity to share the Gospel?
  3. What are some 'altars to unknown gods' in my own life, where I may be unknowingly worshiping something other than the one true God?
  4. How can I balance being respectful of others' beliefs with being bold in proclaiming the truth of the Gospel, as Paul did in Acts 17:22-31?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 17:22

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill,.... Or of Areopagus, as it is better rendered in Acts 17:19 for it is the same place, and it is the same word that is here used: Paul stood in the midst of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 17:22

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 17:22

Mars’ hill: See Poole on "". Too superstitious; sometimes this word is taken in a good sense; many then, as now, taking superstition to be religion. But it is often taken in a bad sense: thus Theophrastus says, that a truly pious man is a friend of God; ode deisidaimwn kolax yeou, but the superstitious man is a flatterer of God. Now this word being then of a kind of middle signification, the apostle would seem not to bear too hard upon the Athenians, who were devout and religious, according to the measure of their knowledge, and whom he desired to win by love and gentleness.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 17:22

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. Ver. 22. You are too superstitious] You are fearers of evil spirits; so one renders it; and Paul elsewhere tells the Corinthians that what they sacrificed to idols they sacrificed to devils, 1 Corinthians 10:20. Beza renders ωςδεισιδαιμονεστερους, quasi religiosiares (as if the apostle had used an euphemismus), somewhat superstitious, or rather religious; the better to insinuate, for the Athenians had tender ears, and loved to hear toothless truths; which made Demosthenes call upon get their ears healed. ( Orat. de Ord. Civ.) That figure of speech which consists in the substitution of a word or expression of comparatively favourable implication or less unpleasant associations, instead of the harsher or more offensive one that would more precisely designate what is intended. �D

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 17:22

(22) Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill.—Better, Areopagus, as before. The Court sat in the open air on benches forming three sides of a quadrangle. A short flight of sixteen steps, cut in the rock, led from the agora to the plateau where the Court held its sittings. If it was actually sitting at the time, the temptation to have recourse to it, if only to cause a sensation and terrify the strange disputant, may well have been irresistible. As the Apostle stood there, he looked from the slight elevation on the temple of the Eumenides below him, that of Theseus to the east, and facing him on the Acropolis, the Parthenon. On the height of that hill stood the colossal bronze statue of Athena as the tutelary goddess of her beloved Athens, below and all around him were statues and altars. The city was “very full of idols.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 17:22

Verse 22. Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill] That is, in the midst of the judges, who sat in the Areopagus. Ye are too superstitious.] ΚαταπανταὡςδεισιδαιμονεϚερουςὑμαςθεωρω; I perceive that in all respects ye are greatly addicted to religious practices; and, as a religious people, you will candidly hear what I have got to say in behalf of that worship which I practise and recommend. See farther observations at the end of the chapter. See Clarke on Acts 17:34

Cambridge Bible on Acts 17:22

22–31. Speech of St Paul at AthensTaking notice of the extreme religious scrupulousness, which had led the Athenians to raise an altar to an unknown God, the Apostle declares to them the God whom alone they ought to worship, and whom as yet they did not know. This God was the Maker and Preserver of all things, and the Father of all men, and He desired to bring all to a knowledge of Himself. Athenian poets had spoken of this Fatherhood of God. Such a God is not fitly represented by graven images, and He would have men cease from such ignorant worship, for he will be the Judge as well as Father of men, and has given proof of the reality of the judgment and of the world to come by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 17:22

Then Paul - This commences Paul’s explanation of the doctrines which he had stated.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 17:22

22. Midst of Mars’ hill—Led by the gentle pressure of the Athenian crowd, the apostle ascends, by a flight of limestone steps, a steep of sixty feet height, and finds upon the summit a broad plateau.

Sermons on Acts 17:22

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Travailing - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty over human self-sufficiency, contrasting the arrogance of man as the master of his fate with the humili
Winkie Pratney Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 1 by Winkie Pratney This sermon delves into the world of apologetics, exploring the defense and evidences of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the need for a rational, historical, and objective faith
Art Katz The Christian Mindset - Part 2 by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the Word of God and its ability to penetrate and bring transformation to communities. He acknowledges the opposition from the en
Art Katz The Christian Mindset - Part 3 by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges of teaching and preaching the word of God. He shares his personal experience of teaching a compulsory class on American history
Greg Locke The Most Controversial Subject in the Bible by Greg Locke In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the consequences of rejecting God's message. He shares a personal experience of being shown the Bible and l
Art Katz Apostolic Foundations (2 of 12) by Art Katz In this sermon, Paul passionately addresses the audience, emphasizing the urgency and significance of their spiritual journey. He prays for God to guide and inspire them, while ack
Rolfe Barnard Seeking the Lord by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is the creator and ruler of the world. He does not need worship from human hands, as He is the source of all life and everything we

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