13
But when the Jews of 1Thessalonicafound out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in 2Bereaalso, they camethere as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds.
14
Thenimmediately3the brethrensentPaul out to go as far as the sea; and 4Silas and 5Timothyremainedthere.
15
Now6those who escortedPaulbrought him as far as 7Athens; and receiving a command for 8Silas and Timothy to 9come to him as soon as possible, they left.
Paul at Athens
16Now while Paul was waiting for them at 10Athens, his spirit was being provokedwithin him as he was observing the cityfull of idols.
17
So he was reasoning11in the synagogue with the Jews and 12the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplaceeveryday with those who happened to be present.
18
And alsosome of the Epicurean and Stoicphilosophers were conversing with him. Some were saying, "What would 13thisidlebabblerwish to say?" Others*, "He seems to be a proclaimer of strangedeities,"-because he was preaching14Jesus and the resurrection.
19
And they 15took him and brought him to the 16Areopagus, saying, "May we knowwhat17thisnewteaching is which you are proclaiming?
20
"For you are bringingsomestrangethings to our ears; so we want to knowwhatthesethingsmean*."
21
(Nowall the Athenians and the strangers18visiting there used to spend their time in nothingotherthantellingorhearingsomethingnew.)
Sermon on Mars Hill
22SoPaulstood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of 19Athens, I observe that you are very20religious in allrespects.
23
"For while I was passingthrough and examining the 21objects of your worship, I alsofound an altar with thisinscription, 'TO AN UNKNOWNGOD.' Thereforewhat22you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.