And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Athenians, presenting themselves as sophisticated listeners, use the phrase "May we know" not just as a simple question of curiosity, but as a polite invitation that carries a hint of irony. They want to understand this "new teaching," but their underlying assumption is that it's merely another strange idea from a foreign speaker, perhaps even one that doesn't warrant serious intellectual engagement.
And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?
English Standard Version (ESV)
After drawing a crowd in the marketplace by proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection, some curious Athenians, including philosophers, took Paul to the Areopagus, a prominent hill where important civic and religious discussions often took place. They invited him to explain his "new teaching," eager to hear what this novel message was, though likely with a mix of genuine interest and perhaps a touch of skepticism. This moment sets the stage for Paul's famous speech, adapting his message to the intellectual and spiritual climate of Athens.
Paul is brought to the Areopagus. Was it a hostile seizure or a curious invitation? The details reveal a surprising answer.
The text says the Athenians "took him and brought him to the Areopagus." While this might sound forceful, the original Greek word used for "took" often means to gently take hold of someone’s hand or clothing. Think of it like a friendly gesture, guiding someone along, rather than dragging them against their will.
A Polite Request
The scholars point out that the proceedings that followed weren't a formal trial. Paul wasn't being accused of a crime. Instead, the Athenians, particularly the philosophers and curious onlookers, were intrigued by his message. They wanted to hear more directly from him, away from the marketplace bustle, in a place known for serious discussion.
Curiosity's Appeal
Athens was a city buzzing with new ideas and philosophies. The Areopagus, or Mars' Hill, was a significant location, historically associated with judgment and solemn matters. By bringing Paul there, they were essentially creating a platform for him to explain his "new teaching" in a setting that commanded attention, even if their ultimate intent was driven by intellectual curiosity rather than a desire for spiritual truth.
Mars' Hill wasn't just any old spot; it was steeped in history and gravitas. What made this location so significant for Paul's message?
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The Areopagus, also known as Mars' Hill, was a prominent rocky outcrop in Athens. Historically, it was the meeting place of the Areopagus council, Athens' ancient and highly respected court.
A Place of Solemnity
This place had a weighty reputation. Legends tied it to the god Mars and the trial of mythical figures. Crucially, it was where solemn judicial and religious matters were decided. Even Socrates had been tried and condemned there for impiety.
Setting the Stage
Bringing Paul to the Areopagus lent a certain seriousness to the situation. It was like being invited to speak before a distinguished assembly. While not a formal trial in this instance, the location itself commanded respect and implied that the "new teaching" was significant enough to warrant discussion in such a hallowed space. It transformed the marketplace buzz into an opportunity for a more focused, albeit still intellectually driven, engagement.
The Athenians call Paul's message "new doctrine." Was this a genuine desire for knowledge or a subtle dismissal of his ideas?
The phrase "new doctrine" (or "new teaching") captures the Athenian mindset perfectly. They were known for their intellectual curiosity, always seeking out new philosophies and ideas in the marketplace and public forums.
The "New Thing" Appeal
Athens was a hub for thinkers, and the people there loved to discuss and debate. Anything novel or different immediately caught their attention. Paul's message, speaking of Jesus and the resurrection, was indeed radically new to them, contrasting sharply with their existing pagan beliefs.
A Double-Edged Sword
While this curiosity provided Paul an opening, it also carried a potential for superficiality or even mockery. The word used can imply something that is not just new, but also strange or startling. Their desire to "know" might have been more about satisfying an intellectual itch or finding something to ridicule than a sincere quest for truth. Paul, however, masterfully uses this curiosity to present the profound truth of the Gospel.
Understand the original words
Areios pagos · Greek Noun
The supreme judicial and deliberative council of Athens, which met on a prominent hill; it functioned as the cultural and religious oversight body for the city.
The Areopagus, while historically a high court, was likely used here as a prominent public space for intellectual debate, reflecting Athens' reputation for philosophical discussion and its complex relationship with foreign religious ideas.
Late 5th century BC
Socrates tried for impiety
The philosopher Socrates was tried and condemned by the Areopagus court on charges of impiety and corrupting the youth. This set a precedent for charges related to religious innovation.
c. 431 BC
Aeschylus' Eumenides staged
This tragedy defended the divine authority of the Areopagus court, likely in response to changing political landscapes and challenges to traditional religious authority in Athens.
Early 1st century AD
Athenian curiosity for new ideas
Athens was a hub for intellectual and philosophical discourse, and its citizens, including philosophers and foreigners, were known for their eagerness to discuss and debate novel ideas and foreign religions.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul preaches in Athens
The apostle Paul, while visiting Athens, encountered both scorn and curiosity as he shared his teachings about Jesus and the resurrection in public spaces like the marketplace.
c. AD 50-52
Summoned to the Areopagus
Curious Athenians, intrigued by Paul's 'new teaching' about Jesus and the resurrection, brought him to the Areopagus (Mars' Hill), a place associated with solemn inquiry and religious matters.
The Samaritan woman, having encountered Jesus and recognized his unique insight, brings others to him, just as the Athenians, intrigued by Paul's 'new teaching,' bring him to the Areopagus for further explanation.
Acts 17:30-31While the Athenians' curiosity at the Areopagus led to a mix of mockery and delayed belief, this passage shows God's call to repentance and the coming judgment, highlighting the ultimate stakes beyond mere intellectual curiosity.
1 Corinthians 1:22-23The Athenians, like the Greeks Paul addresses here, sought wisdom and were intrigued by 'new' or 'strange' things, yet they found the message of the cross foolishness, demonstrating the clash between human reason and divine revelation.
Romans 1:20Paul's discourse on the Areopagus, beginning with creation and God's invisible attributes, echoes this verse, showing how God's eternal power and divine nature are evident in the created world, even to those who don't have direct revelation.
Luke 21:12-15Jesus forewarns his disciples about facing opposition and being brought before authorities for their faith; Paul's experience in Athens, being brought to the Areopagus, is a practical example of this forewarning in action.
pulpitActs 17:19: "And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?"
Verse 19. - Took held of for took, A.V.; the Areopagus for Areopagus, A.V.; teaching is for doctrine... is, A.V.; which is spoken by thee for whereof thou speakest, A.V. Took hold of him. The word ἐπιλάβεσθαι means simply to "take hold of" the hand, the hair, a garment, etc. The context alone decides whether this taking held is friendly or hostile (for the for…
clarkeActs 17:19: "And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?"
They took him, and brought him unto Areopagus - The Areopagus was a hill not far from the Acropolis, already described, where the supreme court of justice was held; one of the most sacred and reputable courts that had ever existed in the Gentile world. It had its name, Αρειος παγος, Areopagus, or the Hill of Mars, or Ares, from the circumstance, according to po…
The Athenians, presenting themselves as sophisticated listeners, use the phrase "May we know" not just as a simple question of curiosity, but as a polite invitation that carries a hint of irony. They want to understand this "new teaching," but their underlying assumption is that it's merely another strange idea from a foreign speaker, perhaps even one that doesn't warrant serious intellectual engagement.
After drawing a crowd in the marketplace by proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection, some curious Athenians, including philosophers, took Paul to the Areopagus, a prominent hill where important civic and religious discussions often took place. They invited him to explain his "new teaching," eager to hear what this novel message was, though likely with a mix of genuine interest and perhaps a touch of skepticism. This moment sets the stage for Paul's famous speech, adapting his message to the intellectual and spiritual climate of Athens.
After drawing a crowd in the marketplace by proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection, some curious Athenians, including philosophers, took Paul to the Areopagus, a prominent hill where important civic and religious discussions often took place. They invited him to explain his "new teaching," eager to hear what this novel message was, though likely with a mix of genuine interest and perhaps a touch of skepticism. This moment sets the stage for Paul's famous speech, adapting his message to the intellectual and spiritual climate of Athens.
"And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?" — The Athenians, presenting themselves as sophisticated listeners, use the phrase "May we know" not just as a simple question of curiosity, but as a polite invitation that carries a hint of irony. They…
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Last reviewed October 2026