Study Desk

Now while Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he observed that the city was full of idols.

"For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; so we want to know what these things mean."

"For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.

that they would seek God, if perhaps they might feel around for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;

for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His descendants.'

and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them, and they worked together, for they were tent-makers by trade.

for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city."

And he settled there for a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of some crime or vicious, unscrupulous act, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you;

Now Paul, when he had remained many days longer, took leave of the brothers and sisters and sailed away to Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. Paul first had his hair cut at Cenchrea, for he was keeping a vow.

When they asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent,

for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, having discussions and persuading them about the kingdom of God.

This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

And after he sent into Macedonia two of those who assisted him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing considerable business to the craftsmen;

So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.

But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

"For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess.

"For indeed, we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today's events, since there is no real reason for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering."