Acts 17:21

Now all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing more than hearing and articulating new ideas.

Berean Standard Bible

In The King James Version

(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.)

In Context

20For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”

22Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious.

Read all of Acts 17

Cross References

Ephesians 5:16redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

2 Thessalonians 3:11Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies.

2 Timothy 2:16But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,

Matthew Henry on Acts 17:17-22

Paul at Athens. 16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. 17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. 18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, 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… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Acts 17:21