Chapter 17

Paul preaches to the Thessalonians and Beroeans. His discourse to the Athenians.

1. 1

   And when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

2. 2

   And Paul, according to his custom, went in to them: and for three sabbath-days he reasoned with them out of the Scriptures,

3. 3

   Laying open and inculcating that the Christ was to suffer, and to rise again from the dead: and that this is the Jesus Christ, whom I preach to you.

4. 4

   And some of them believed, and were joined to Paul and Silas, and of those who served God, and of the Gentiles, a great multitude, and noble women not a few.

5. 5

   But the Jews moved with envy, and taking with them some wicked men of the vulgar sort, and making a tumult, set the city in an uproar: and besetting Jason's house, sought to bring them out to the people.

6. 6

   And when they had not found them, they dragged Jason and certain brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out: That they who disturb the city, are come hither also,

7. 7

   Whom Jason hath received, and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying: that there is another king, Jesus.

8. 8

   And they stirred up the people, and the rulers of the city hearing these things.

9. 9

   And having taken satisfaction from Jason, and the rest, they let them go.

10. 10

    But the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Beroea. Who when they were come thither, entered into the synagogue of the Jews.

11. 11

    Now these were more noble than those of Thessalonica, who received the word with all eagerness, daily searching the Scriptures, whether these things were so.

12. 12

    And many indeed of them believed, and not a few of honourable Gentile women and men.

13. 13

    And when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was also preached by Paul at Beroea, they came thither also, stirring up, and troubling the multitude.

14. 14

    And then the brethren immediately sent away Paul, to go to the sea: but Silas and Timothy remained there.

15. 15

    And they that conducted Paul, brought him as far as Athens, and receiving a commandment from him to Silas and Timothy, that they should come to him with all speed, they departed.

16. 16

    Now whilst Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was excited within him, seeing the city given up to idolatry.

17. 17

    He disputed, therefore, in the synagogue with the Jews, and with them that served God, and in the market-place, every day, with those that were present.

18. 18

    And certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers disputed with him, and some said: What is it that this babbler would say? But others: He seemeth to be a preacher of new gods: because he preached to them Jesus, and the resurrection.

19. 19

    And taking him, they brought him to the Areopagus, saying: May we know what this new doctrine is, which thou speakest of?

20. 20

    For thou bringest certain new things to our ears: We would know, therefore, what these things mean.

21. 21

    (Now all the Athenians, and strangers that were there, employed themselves in nothing else but either in telling or in hearing something new.)

22. 22

    But Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: Ye men of Athens, I perceive that ye are in all things over-religious.

23. 23

    For passing by, and seeing your idols, I found an altar also, on which was written: to the unknown god. What, therefore, you worship without knowing it, that I preach to you.

24. 24

    God, who made the world and all things therein, he being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.

25. 25

    Nor is he served by the hands of men, as though he needed any thing, seeing it is he who giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

26. 26

    And hath made of one, all mankind, to dwell upon the whole face of the earth, determining appointed times, and the limits of their habitation.

27. 27

    That they should seek God, if haply they may feel after him or find him: although he be not far from every one of us.

28. 28

    For in him we live, and move, and have our being: as some also of your own poets said: For we are also his offspring.

29. 29

    Being, therefore, the offspring of God, we must not suppose the Divinity to be like unto gold or silver, or stone, the graving of art, and device of man.

30. 30

    And God, indeed, having overlooked the times of this ignorance, now declareth to men, that all should every where do penance.

31. 31

    Because he hath appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in equity, by the man, whom he hath appointed, giving faith to all, by raising him up from the dead.

32. 32

    And when they had heard of the resurrection of the dead, some indeed mocked: but others said: We will hear thee again concerning this matter.

33. 33

    So Paul went out from among them.

34. 34

    But certain men adhered to him and believed: among whom was also Dionysius, the Areopagite, and a woman, named Damaris, and others with them.