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.
Original Language Analysis
Σταθεὶς
stood
G2476
Σταθεὶς
stood
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
1 of 18
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
4 of 18
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔφη
and said
G5346
ἔφη
and said
Strong's:
G5346
Word #:
10 of 18
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
κατὰ
in
G2596
κατὰ
in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
13 of 18
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ὡς
that
G5613
ὡς
that
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
15 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
δεισιδαιμονεστέρους
are too superstitious
G1174
δεισιδαιμονεστέρους
are too superstitious
Strong's:
G1174
Word #:
16 of 18
more religious than others
Historical Context
On Mars Hill (Areopagus) in Athens (AD 51), Paul addressed philosophers in the Empire's intellectual capital. His speech demonstrates sophisticated cultural engagement, quoting Greek poets while presenting biblical truth, though results proved limited in this proud city.
Questions for Reflection
- How can Christians engage culture's ideas while remaining faithful to biblical truth?
- What balance should exist between contextualization and clarity in presenting the gospel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Paul's opening—'Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious'—shows cultural sensitivity. The Greek 'deisidaimon' could mean either 'very religious' or 'superstitious,' allowing positive hearing. His observation of their altar 'TO THE UNKNOWN GOD' provided bridge for gospel introduction, modeling contextualized evangelism.