“”While Paul was waiting for them (Silas and Timothy), the was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there.
He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and His resurrection, they said, “What’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up?” Other said, “He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.”” Acts 17 , vv. 16-18, NLT)
“”So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your any shrines. And one of your altars has the inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God’. This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.”
“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since He is Lord of heaven and earth, He doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve His needs- for He has no needs. He Himself gives life and breath to everything, and He satisfies every need. From one man He created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand they should rise and fall, and He determined their boundaries.” “(Act 17, vv. 22-26, NLT)
“”God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now He commands everyone every where our to repent of their sins and turn to Him. For He has set a say for judging the world with justice by the Man He has appointed, and He proved to everyone who this is by raising Him from the dead.”
When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” That ended Paul’s discussion with them, but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.”” (Acts 17, vv. 30-34, NLT)