Seeking the New in Light of the Ancient

Acts 17:19–21 (NASB95)  

19And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming? 20“For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; so we want to know what these things mean.” 21(Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.) 

Paul’s experience in Athens takes on a strikingly thoughtful dimension as he is brought before the city’s venerable council for inquiry. The Areopagus, long known as the respected tribunal of Athenian aristocrats, provided a formal venue for evaluating the propriety of any new teaching. Here, Paul, much like the revered school of Socrates, presents ideas that challenge the status quo—not by force or contentious debate, but through a reasoned presentation of the truth about God. The Athenians, noted for their constant hunger for novelty and intellectual excitement, were eager to encounter “something new” that might refresh their long-held beliefs. Yet, amid their quest for innovation, Paul remains steadfast in linking his message to the timeless convictions of the Jewish Scriptures, demonstrating that the redemptive work of God in Jesus is not a foreign intrusion but rather the climax of a long-established divine plan. His approach, respectful and analytical, invites thoughtful consideration while simultaneously confronting the prevalent idolatry with the power of reason and divine revelation. 

In today’s culture, where sensationalism and fleeting trends often dominate the public discourse, Paul’s example challenges modern believers to engage the world with intellectual reason and a commitment to truth. Just as the Athenians craved new ideas, our society is continually bombarded with conflicting information and, many times, disinformation that can distort the message of Jesus. By dedicating ourselves to the daily study of the Scriptures and grounding our faith in the enduring truths of the Old Testament as well as the New, we cultivate noble minds capable of discerning truth from error. Let us approach every conversation with the same thoughtful, respectful spirit that Paul displayed—using reason and evidence rather than hostility—to witness effectively in our communities. In doing so, we not only honor God but also provide a compelling case for the transformative power of His Gospel in every era.