Paul in Athens

In Thessalonica Paul reasoned from the Scriptures that "the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead." Some were persuaded, including many devout Greeks and prominent women. Others gathered a mob and set the city in an uproar. They dragged Jason and some brothers before the rulers, and the believers sent Paul and Silas away by night.

The people of Berea "received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." Many believed. When troublemakers came from Thessalonica, the brothers sent Paul to Athens.

In Athens Paul's spirit was provoked as he saw the city full of idols. He reasoned in the synagogue and in the marketplace every day. Some philosophers brought him to the Areopagus. Paul said he had found an altar inscribed TO AN UNKNOWN GOD, and he would tell them about this God.

He said God made the world and does not live in temples made with hands. He gives to all life and breath and all things. He made every nation from one man so they should seek him, "though he is not far from each one of us." God now commands all people everywhere to repent. He has appointed a day of judgment by the man he raised from the dead. Some mocked, others wanted to hear again, and some believed.