Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 17:22

"And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things, I perceive that ye are very religious." — Acts 17:22 (ASV)

Then Paul. This commences Paul's explanation of the doctrines he had stated. It is evident that Luke has recorded only a summary or outline of the discourse; but it allows us to see clearly his course of thought, and the manner in which he engaged the two principal sects of their philosophers.

In the midst of Mars' hill. Greek, Areopagus. This should have been retained in the translation.

Ye men of Athens. This language was perfectly respectful, even though his heart had been deeply affected by their idolatry. Everything about this discourse is calm, grave, cool, and argumentative. Paul understood the character of his audience and did not commence his discourse by denouncing them, or suppose that they would be convinced by mere dogmatic assertion. No better example of cool, collected argumentation can be found than is provided in this discourse.

I perceive. He perceived this by his observations of their forms of worship while passing through their city (Acts 17:23).

In all things. In respect to all events.

Ye are too superstitious. deisidaimonesterouv. This is a very unfortunate translation. We use the word superstitious always in a bad sense, to mean being overly scrupulous and rigid in religious observances, particularly in smaller matters, or a zealous devotion to rites and observances which are not commanded. But the word here is not intended to convey such an idea. It properly means reverence for the gods or demons. It is used by classical writers in a good sense, to mean piety towards the gods, or suitable fear and reverence for them; and also in a bad sense, to mean improper fear or excessive dread of their anger; and in this sense it corresponds with our word superstitious. But it is highly improbable that Paul would have used it in a bad sense. For,

1. It was not his custom to needlessly blame or offend his audience.
2. It is not probable that he would commence his discourse in a manner that would only excite their prejudice and opposition.
3. In the thing he specifies, Acts 17:23, as proof on the subject, he does not introduce it as a matter of blame, but rather as a proof of their devotedness to the cause of religion, and of their regard for God.
4. The whole speech is calm, dignified, and argumentative—such as was fitting for such a place, such a speaker, and such an audience.

The meaning of the expression is, therefore, "I perceive that you are greatly devoted to reverence for religion; that it is a characteristic of the people to honour the gods, to erect altars to them, and to recognize the Divine agency in times of trial." The proof of this was the altar erected for the unknown God; its bearing on his purpose was that such a state of public sentiment must be favourable to an inquiry into the truth of what he was about to state.