13. But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God in Berea, they came there, too. They upset the people and made trouble.
14. So the believers quickly sent Paul away to the coast. But Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea.
15. The men who took Paul went with him to Athens. Then they carried a message from Paul back to Silas and Timothy. It said, “Come to me as soon as you can.”
16. Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens. He was troubled because he saw that the city was full of idols.
17. In the synagogue, he talked with the Jews and the Greeks who worshiped the true God. He also talked every day with people in the marketplace.
18. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers argued with him. Some of them said, “This man doesn’t know what he is talking about. What is he trying to say?” Paul was telling them the Good News of Jesus’ rising from death. They said, “He seems to be telling us about some other gods.”
19. They got Paul and took him to a meeting of the Areopagus. They said, “Please explain to us this new idea that you have been teaching.
20. The things you are saying are new to us. We want to know what this teaching means.”
21. (All the people of Athens and those from other countries always used their time talking about all the newest ideas.)
22. Then Paul stood before the meeting of the Areopagus. He said, “Men of Athens, I can see that you are very religious in all things.