Acts 17:11-34 ▼

11 And they were of more noble birth than those in Thessalonica, who received the word with all willingness, and examined the writings daily, if these things might hold thus.

12 Therefore truly many of them believed; and of the distinguished Grecian women, and of men, not few.

13 And when the Jews from Thessalonica heard that also in Berea the word of God was announced by Paul, they came there also, agitating the crowd.

14 And quickly the brethren sent away Paul to go as by the sea: and both Silas and Timothy remained there.

15 And they conveying Paul brought him even to Athens: and having taken a command to Silas and Timothy that now they might come to him most speedily, they departed.

16 And Paul waiting for them among the Athenians, his spirit was excited in him, seeing the city being addicted to idol worship.

17 Therefore truly he discussed in the synagogue with Jews, and those worshipping, and in the assembly in every day with those being present.

18 And certain of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers deliberated with him. And certain said, What may this idle, talkative man wish to say? and others, He seems to be a declarer of strange demons: because he announced to them good news, and the rising up.

19 And having taken him, they brought upon Mars' hill, saying, Can we know what this new teaching is, spoken by thee?

20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we wish therefore to know what these things may be.

21 (And all the Athenians and strangers being present, passed time in nothing else but to say or hear some thing new.)

22 And Paul having stood in the midst of Mars' hill, said, Men, Athenians, I see that in all things ye have a superstitious fear of divinity.

23 For having passed by, and beholding your venerations, I found also an altar upon which was inscribed, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom not knowing therefore ye reverence, him I announce to you.

24 God having made the world and all things in it, he being Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made by hands;

25 Nor is served by men's hands, standing in need of anything, he giving to all life, and breath, and all things.

26 And he made of one blood every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, having limited the times before arranged, and the bounds of their habitation;

27 To seek the Lord, if perchance indeed they have felt for him, and found, although not being far from each one of us:

28 For in him we live, and move, and are; as certain of the composers among you have said, For we also are his race.

29 Being therefore the posterity of God, we ought not to think gold, or silver, or stone, an engraving of art, or meditation of man, the divinity to be like.

30 Therefore truly, God having overlooked the times of ignorance, now announces to all men everywhere to repent:

31 Wherefore he set a day, in which he is about to judge the habitable globe in justice by the man whom he appointed; having offered faith to all, having raised him from the dead.

32 And having heard of the rising up of the dead, they treated with mockery; and said, We will hear thee again concerning this.

33 And so Paul went forth from the midst of them.

34 And certain men having joined him, believed: among whom also Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman by name Damaris, and others with them.