Acts 17:21
What does Acts 17:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 17:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 17:21 means
Luke inserts a parenthetical note: Athenians and resident foreigners spent their time telling or hearing something new. This cultural snapshot explains the ready platform Paul receives. They value novelty, which means they listen, but it also means they may not commit. The gospel, however, is not a mere new idea; it is God’s decisive revelation. Paul must speak into a culture that prizes fresh thoughts and measured debate, calling them beyond curiosity to repentance and faith. Understanding this context helps readers appreciate the skill with which he connects their impulses to the truth about the one true God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000(Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.)
KJV
King James Version · 1611(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901(Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.)
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949(Now all the Athenians and the men from other lands who come there were giving all their time to talking or hearing of anything new.)
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and all Athenians, and the strangers sojourning, for nothing else were at leisure but to say something, and to hear some newer thing.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752(Now all the Athenians and strangers that were there employed themselves in nothing else, but either in telling or in hearing some new thing.)
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now all [the] Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else than to tell and to hear the news.
Context
This aside concludes the setup for Paul’s Areopagus address. It clarifies why he is invited to speak (verses 19–20) and hints at the likely outcome—mixed reactions to a message that demands more than intellectual interest. Beginning in verse 22, Paul’s sermon will recognize their religiosity, correct their ignorance, and call for change grounded in creation, providence, and the resurrection. The speech culminates in a universal summons to repent before the appointed judgment (verses 30–31), which then elicits predictable responses—mockery, delay, and belief (verses 32–34).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies.
- 2 Timothy 2:16
But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness,
- 1 Timothy 5:13
And withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
- Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
- Ephesians 5:16
redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
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