SEV Biblia, Chapter 17:20
Porque pones en nuestros oídos unas nuevas cosas, queremos pues saber qu quiere ser esto.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Acts 17:20
Verse 20. Thou bringest-strange things to our ears] The doctrine of the apostles was different from any they had ever heard: it was wholly spiritual and divine; thus it was strange: it was contrary to their customs and manners; and thus it was strange also. As it spoke much of the exaltation and glory of Jesus Christ, they supposed him to be a setter forth of strange gods: and, therefore, on the authority of the laws, which forbade the introduction of any new deities, or modes of worship, he was called before the Areopagus.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 20. For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears , etc.] Strange doctrines and strange deities, such as they had never heard of before: we would know therefore what these things mean ; they desire he would explain these things to them, and let them know the rise, and ground, and nature, and end, and design of them.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 16-21 - Athens was then famed for polite learning, philosophy, and the fin arts; but none are more childish and superstitious, more impious, or more credulous, than some persons, deemed eminent for learning an ability. It was wholly given to idolatry. The zealous advocate for the cause of Christ will be ready to plead for it in all companies, a occasion offers. Most of these learned men took no notice of Paul; but some, whose principles were the most directly contrary to Christianity made remarks upon him. The apostle ever dwelt upon two points, whic are indeed the principal doctrines of Christianity, Christ and a futur state; Christ our way, and heaven our end. They looked on this as very different from the knowledge for many ages taught and professed a Athens; they desire to know more of it, but only because it was new an strange. They led him to the place where judges sat who inquired int such matters. They asked about Paul's doctrine, not because it wa good, but because it was new. Great talkers are always busy-bodies They spend their time in nothing else, and a very uncomfortable accoun they have to give of their time who thus spend it. Time is precious and we are concerned to employ it well, because eternity depends upo it, but much is wasted in unprofitable conversation.
Greek Textus Receptus
ξενιζοντα 3579 5723 V-PAP-APN γαρ 1063 CONJ τινα 5100 X-APN εισφερεις 1533 5719 V-PAI-2S εις 1519 PREP τας 3588 T-APF ακοας 189 N-APF ημων 2257 P-1GP βουλομεθα 1014 5736 V-PNI-1P ουν 3767 CONJ γνωναι 1097 5629 V-2AAN τι 5101 I-ASN αν 302 PRT θελοι 2309 5722 V-PAO-3S ταυτα 5023 D-NPN ειναι 1511 5750 V-PXN
Vincent's NT Word Studies
20. Strange (xenizonta). A participle: surprising. Compare 1 Peter iv. 4,12.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
17:20 {For thou bringest certain strange things} (xenizonta gar tina eisfereis). The very verb used by Xenophon (_Mem_. I) about Socrates. xenizonta is present active neuter plural participle of xenizw and from xenos (verse #18), "things surprising or shocking us." {We would know therefore} (boulomeqa oun gnwnai). Very polite still, we wish or desire, and repeating gnwnai (the essential point).
