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1
A Hearing, Not a Trial
Scholars widely agree that when the Athenians brought Paul to the Areopagus, it was not for a formal criminal trial. While the Areopagus was a powerful council with authority over religious matters, the atmosphere was one of inquiry, not accusation. Their request, "May we know what this new teaching is?" reflects curiosity, providing Paul with a unique platform rather than putting him on the defense.
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Acts
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Acts 17:19
18th Century
Theologian
And brought him unto Areopagus. A marginal note identifies it as Mars' hill. This was the place or court where the Areopagites, the celebr…
AT Robertson
On Acts 17:19
And they took hold of him (επιλαβομενο δε αυτου). Second aorist middle participle of επιλαμβανω, old verb, but in the N.T. only in…
Charles Ellicott
On Acts 17:19
19th Century
Bishop
They took him, and brought him unto Areopagus.—The name can refer either to the Hill of Mars, simply as a locality, or to the Court…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 17:19
The Areopagus (meaning “Council of Ares”; GK 740) reaches back to legendary antiquity. Presumably it first met at Athens on the Hill of Ares, north…
John Calvin
On Acts 17:19
16th Century
Theologian
They brought him to Mars’ Street. Although this was a place appointed for judgment, Luke does not mean that Paul was brought before the se…
John Gill
On Acts 17:19
17th Century
Pastor
And they took him
Not that they laid hands on him, and carried him away by violence, as a derider of their gods, and…
Matthew Henry
On Acts 17:16–21
17th Century
Minister
Athens was then famed for refined learning, philosophy, and the fine arts; yet no one is more childish, superstitious, impious, or credulous than s…