The Unknown God: Acts 17:16-34

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

Athens—the intellectual capital of the ancient world. Philosophy born here. Democracy invented here. And idols everywhere. Paul was distressed—the Greek suggests provoked, stirred to anger. The city of Socrates was also the city of countless gods.

So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.

Paul engaged everywhere. Synagogue for Jews and seekers. Marketplace—the agora—for anyone passing. Day by day. Reasoning, discussing, debating.