Definition: (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Acts 17:21. It’s a really interesting one about how God wants to connect with people! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is inviting everyone present – even strangers and those who are just passing by – to focus on listening to God’s word and learning from Him. Let's unpack that a bit: “Acts 17” : This refers to a significant event where the Apostle Peter was speaking before a large crowd in Jerusalem. “Athens” : Athens was a city in ancient Greece, known for its philosophy and intellectual pursuits. “Strangers” : This means people who weren't part of the Jewish community or were not Greek citizens. “Spent their time… in nothing else…” : This is the key part. They weren’t busy with anything other than listening to God’s message, learning about Him, and reflecting on His word. It means they were mostly focused on hearing and understanding God. “…but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.” : This describes what they were doing. They were eager to share the good news of God with others – to tell people about Him – OR they were simply listening attentively to learn something new. So, what's the big picture? It’s a message of invitation! God wants to be in the center of their lives and to give them a chance to truly connect with Him through hearing His word. It suggests that God is interested in everyone and wants to have a relationship with all people. Why is this important? This verse highlights that God isn’t just interested in the Jewish community; He's interested in everyone . It encourages us to be open-minded, to listen carefully, and to seek understanding – to truly hear what God has to say. It's a reminder that God wants to be present in our lives and to guide us towards Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this passage in more detail (perhaps relating it to other stories or themes)?