Acts 17:18

Authorized King James Version

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τινες

G5100

certain

some or any person or object

δέ

G1161

Then

but, and, etc

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἐπικουρείων

G1946

of the Epicureans

an epicurean or follower of epicurus

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Στωϊκῶν

G4770

of the Stoicks

a "stoic" (as occupying a particular porch in athens), i.e., adherent of a certin philosophy

φιλοσόφων

G5386

philosophers

fond of wise things, i.e., a "philosopher"

συνέβαλλον

G4820

encountered

to combine, i.e., (in speaking) to converse, consult, dispute, (mentally) to consider, (by implication) to aid, (personally) to join, attack

#10

αὐτοῖς

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

τινες

G5100

certain

some or any person or object

#13

λέγειν

G3004

said

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#14

Τί

G5101

What

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#15

ἂν

G302

will

whatsoever

#16

θέλοι

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

#17

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

σπερμολόγος

G4691

babbler

a seed-picker (as the crow), i.e., (figuratively) a sponger, loafer (specially, a gossip or trifler in talk)

#19

οὗτος

G3778

this

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#20

λέγειν

G3004

said

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#21

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

δέ

G1161

Then

but, and, etc

#23

Ξένων

G3581

of strange

foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer

#24

δαιμονίων

G1140

gods

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

#25

δοκεῖ

G1380

some He seemeth

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

#26

καταγγελεὺς

G2604

a setter forth

a proclaimer

#27

εἶναι

G1511

to be

to exist

#28

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#29

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#30

Ἰησοῦν

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#31

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#32

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#33

ἀνάστασιν

G386

the resurrection

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

#34

αὐτοῖς

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#35

εὐηγγελίζετο

G2097

he preached

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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