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Verse Takeaways
1
A Historically Accurate Portrait
Commentators unanimously affirm that Luke's description of the Athenians is not a caricature but a well-documented historical fact. Scholars point to classical Greek writers like Demosthenes and Thucydides, who made nearly identical observations about their own people's constant desire to hear the 'latest news.' This detail underscores Luke's reliability as a historian.
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Book Overview
Acts
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Commentaries
6
Albert Barnes
On Acts 17:21
18th Century
Theologian
For all the Athenians. This was their general character.
And strangers who were there. Athens was greatly distinguished fo…
AT Robertson
On Acts 17:21
Spent their time (ηυκαιρουν). Imperfect active of ευκαιρεω. A late word to have opportunity (ευ, καιρος) from Polybius on. In the …
Charles Ellicott
On Acts 17:21
19th Century
Bishop
For all the Athenians and strangers.—The restless inquisitiveness of the Athenian character had been proverbial all along…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 17:21
Luke’s comment about the Athenians “doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas” is paralleled in the evaluation of his fello…
John Gill
On Acts 17:21
17th Century
Pastor
For all the Athenians
The natives of Athens, who were born and lived there, and were inhabitants of the city, and fr…
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…