Acts 17:22 – “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: ‘People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is addressing the philosophers and leaders of Athens at the Areopagus, a place where new religious and philosophical ideas were discussed. He begins his speech by acknowledging their religious nature. Rather than attacking their beliefs outright, he wisely starts by recognizing their devotion to spiritual matters.

The phrase “very religious” can be understood in two ways. On one hand, Paul is acknowledging that the Athenians are deeply interested in worship and spirituality. On the other hand, he is also hinting that their religious devotion is misguided—they worship many gods, but they do not know the one true God.

Paul’s approach here is strategic. Instead of condemning them immediately, he finds common ground, showing respect while also preparing to introduce the truth about Jesus. This method is a great example of how to share the gospel effectively—by understanding where people are spiritually and leading them toward the truth.

Historical Context

Athens was filled with idols, altars, and temples dedicated to various gods. The city was known for its philosophical traditions, and its people prided themselves on intellectual discussions about life, existence, and the divine.

The Areopagus, also called “Mars Hill,” was a prominent place in Athens where legal, moral, and religious matters were debated. It was not just a physical location, but also the name of a council that examined new teachings. The Athenians were open to discussing new religious ideas, but they were also careful about which beliefs were accepted into their society.

Paul was invited to speak because his message about Jesus and the resurrection sounded new and strange to them (Acts 17:19-20). This gave him a unique opportunity to present the gospel to some of the most educated and influential people in the city.

Theological Implications

1. People Have a Natural Desire to Worship. The Athenians were devoted to their gods, showing that humans have an innate sense of spirituality. However, without the true knowledge of God, people often worship wrongly (Romans 1:21-23).
2. God Can Use Cultural Understanding to Open Doors for the Gospel. Paul did not start by condemning their idolatry outright; he first found a connection with their religious curiosity. This teaches us to be wise and patient in sharing our faith (Colossians 4:5-6).
3. Being “Religious” is Not Enough. Many people are spiritually minded, but that does not mean they know God. True faith is not just about being religious—it is about knowing Jesus personally (John 17:3).

Literary Analysis

This verse marks the beginning of one of Paul’s most famous speeches. The way Luke records it shows Paul’s skill in addressing a highly intellectual audience.

The phrase “stood up” indicates that Paul took a formal position to address the crowd, which was common in public debates. The phrase “People of Athens” was a respectful way to address his listeners, showing that he was engaging them as equals rather than preaching down to them.

By saying, “I see that in every way you are very religious,” Paul uses a form of persuasion that acknowledges their beliefs while also preparing to challenge them. This rhetorical technique is important because it keeps his audience open to listening rather than immediately rejecting his message.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 1:21-23 – “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.” The Athenians had a sense of the divine but worshiped created things rather than the Creator.
• Colossians 4:5-6 – “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Paul’s approach in Athens reflects this wisdom in evangelism.
• John 4:23-24 – “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” The Athenians were worshiping, but they needed to know the true God.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today are “religious” in some way. They may not bow to idols like the Athenians did, but they pursue spiritual experiences, follow different philosophies, or seek purpose in life through various means. However, being spiritual is not enough—only knowing Jesus leads to true salvation.

Paul’s example also teaches us how to share our faith with those who have different beliefs. Instead of immediately condemning what they believe, we should first understand where they are coming from, then guide them toward the truth with wisdom and respect.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God loves people enough to reveal Himself to them, even when they are worshiping false gods. Instead of abandoning the Athenians in their ignorance, He sent Paul to bring them the truth. This shows that God is patient and desires all people to come to know Him (1 Timothy 2:4).

Even when people are lost in false religions, God still reaches out. He does not force Himself on anyone but provides opportunities for people to hear and respond to the truth.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of what the Athenians were searching for. They had many gods, but they did not know the one true God who created them.

• Jesus is the one true God. John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
• Jesus is the way to the Father. John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
• Jesus is the answer to humanity’s spiritual searching. Acts 17:27 – Later in this speech, Paul says that God created people so that they would seek Him and find Him. Jesus is the one they must find.

The Athenians were religious, but they were worshiping in ignorance. Paul’s mission was to introduce them to the one true God, who had revealed Himself fully in Jesus Christ.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does Paul’s approach in Athens teach us about sharing our faith with people of different beliefs?
2. How does this verse show the difference between being “religious” and truly knowing God?
3. In what ways do people today pursue spirituality without truly knowing Jesus?
4. How can we balance respect for others’ beliefs while still boldly proclaiming the gospel?
5. What steps can we take to ensure that our worship is based on truth and not just religious traditions?