" Now while Paul waited for them (Timothy and Silas) at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry (e.g. statues, images or any object used as aid to worship false gods or the true God). Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

" Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans (followers of Epicurus. They taught that the highest aim of man was to seek a pleasant and smooth life.) and of the Stoicks (they taught that man's happiness consisted in bringing himself into harmony with the course of the universe.), encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

" Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill (the Areopagus or rocky hill in Athens where the Athenian supreme tribunal and court of morals was held), and said, [Ye] men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you." (Acts 17:16-18, 22-23)