John Chrysostom

"And having taken him, they brought him to the Areopagus" - not to punish, but in order to learn - "to the Areopagus" where the trials for murder were held. Thus observe, in hope of learning they ask him, saying, "May we know what is this new doctrine spoken of by thee? For thou bringest certain strange matters to our ears": everywhere novelty is the charge: "we would fain know therefore, what these things may mean."

Homily on Acts 38 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

"Taking him, they brought him to the Areopagus." Not in order to learn from him, but in order to punish him, they led him to the place where murderers are tried. The place was called the Areopagus, or the Hill of Ares (Mars), because here Ares (or Mars) was punished for adultery. It was called a "pagus" [hill] because it was an elevated place, since this court was situated on a hill. …

Commentary on Acts ↗

Oecumenius

They brought him, he says, to the Areopagus, not so much to learn, but so that he might be punished, where the courts deal with homicide. The place was called the Areopagus because Ares, as they say, there administered justice concerning adultery. Pagos means a high place; for that tribunal was on some hill. Therefore the local or village rulers are by some called Pagarchs. [LETTER OF ISIDORE OF PELUSIUM, CHAPTER 45]

Commentary on Acts ↗