Acts 17 (KJV)

Read Acts chapter 17 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Acts 17

Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

Acts 17:28

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain…"

Acts 17:11

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that th…"

Popular Verses in Acts 17

Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

Acts 17:28 KJV

Acts & Early Church

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Acts 17 Summary

Acts 17 follows Paul through Thessalonica and Berea before arriving at Athens — the intellectual capital of the ancient world. In Thessalonica, jealous opponents accuse the Christians of 'turning the world upside down.' The Bereans receive Paul's message with eagerness, searching the Scriptures daily to verify his claims.

The chapter climaxes with Paul's address at the Areopagus (Mars Hill), where he engages Greek philosophy on its own terms. Starting from an altar inscribed 'TO THE UNKNOWN GOD,' Paul proclaims the Creator who gives life to all, in whom 'we live, and move, and have our being,' and who has appointed a day of judgment through the risen Christ.

Key Themes

Engaging culture with the gospelThe Berean modelMars Hill addressUnknown God revealedResurrection controversy

Key Verses in Acts 17

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

— Acts 17:11

The Berean model of open-minded yet discerning Bible study.

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being."

— Acts 17:28

Paul quotes Greek poets to build a bridge to the gospel — a masterclass in cultural engagement.

"These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also."

— Acts 17:6

An accusation that became a compliment — the gospel's transformative power.

Life Application

Paul's approach in Athens teaches that the gospel can engage any culture without compromising its message. He found common ground (the Unknown God, Greek poetry), then pointed to Christ. The Bereans teach something equally vital: receive new ideas with openness but verify them against Scripture. Both models — cultural engagement and biblical discernment — are needed today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the Bereans?

The Bereans were Jews in the city of Berea (modern Greece) who responded to Paul's preaching by examining the Old Testament Scriptures daily to verify his claims about Jesus. They are held up as a model of noble, discerning faith.

What was Paul's sermon on Mars Hill about?

Paul addressed Athenian philosophers by connecting their 'Unknown God' altar to the Creator God of Scripture. He argued that God made all nations, is not confined to temples, and has appointed judgment through Jesus, whose resurrection proves His authority.

Read the full summary of Acts