Acts 17:17-27 in English

¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with them that met him.

¹⁸ And certain also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, What would this babbler say? others, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ And they took hold of him, and brought him unto the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by thee?

²⁰ For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

²¹ (Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.)

²² And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye are very religious.

²³ For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What therefore ye worship in ignorance, this I set forth unto you.

²⁴ The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

²⁵ neither is he served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

²⁶ and he made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation;

²⁷ that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us:

¹⁷ 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.

¹⁸ Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, 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.

¹⁹ And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

²⁰ For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

²¹ (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

²² Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

²³ 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.

²⁴ God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

²⁵ Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

²⁶ And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

²⁷ That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with them that met with him.

¹⁸ And certain also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, What would this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ And they took hold of him, and brought him unto the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by thee?

²⁰ For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

²¹ (Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.)

²² And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye are somewhat superstitious.

²³ For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What therefore ye worship in ignorance, this set I forth unto you.

²⁴ The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

²⁵ neither is he served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

²⁶ and he made of one every nation of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation;

²⁷ that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he is not far from each one of us:

¹⁷ So he went to the Jewish meeting place and talked about Jesus with the Jews, and also with the Greeks who had accepted what the Jews believe. He also went to the public square/center every day and talked to the people whom he met there.

¹⁸ Paul met some teachers who liked to talk about what people should believe. People called some of them Epicureans and they called others Stoics. They told Paul what they believed, and they asked him what he believed. Then some of them said to one another, “This ignorant person is just talking nonsense RHQ!” Others said, “ We(exc) think that he is teaching people about ◄foreign gods/ new gods that we (exc) have not heard about►.” They said that because Paul was telling them that Jesus had died and had become alive again afterwards. They had not heard that message before.

¹⁹ So they took Paul to the place where the city council met. When they arrived there, they said to Paul, “ Please tell us, what is this new message that you (sg) are teaching people?

²⁰ You are teaching some things that startle us (exc), so we want to know what they mean.”

²¹ They said that, because the people of Athens and also the people from other regions who lived there continually talked about what was new to them, or they listened to others tell what was new.

²² Then Paul stood up before the men of the city council and said, “Citizens of Athens, I see that you ◄are very religious/think that it is very important to worship many gods►.

²³ I say that because, while I was walking along and observing the objects that represent different gods that you worship, I even saw an altar that had these words that someone had carved on it: THIS HONORS THE GOD THAT WE(exc) DO NOT KNOW. So now I will tell you about that God whom you worship but you do not know.

²⁴ He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Because he rules over all beings in heaven and on earth, he does not dwell in shrines that people have made.

²⁵ He does not need to have anything made for him by people MTY {to have people MTY make MTY anything for him}, because everything that exists belongs to him. He is the one who causes ◄us (inc)/all people► to live and breathe, and he gives us all the things that we(inc) need.

²⁶ In the beginning, God created one couple, and from them God produced all ◄the ethnic groups/the nations► that now live everywhere on the earth. He also decided where each ethnic group of people should live and how long they should live there.

²⁷ He wanted people to realize that they need him. Then maybe they would seek him and find him. God wants us to seek him, although he is really close LIT to each one of us.

¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.

¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ They took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which you are speaking about?

²⁰ For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”

²¹ Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

²² Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.

²³ For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you.

²⁴ The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands.

²⁵ He isn’t served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath and all things.

²⁶ He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons and the boundaries of their dwellings,

²⁷ that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.

¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ They took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which you are speaking about?

²⁰ For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”

²¹ Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

²² Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.

²³ For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you.

²⁴ The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands.

²⁵ He isn’t served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath and all things.

²⁶ He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons and the boundaries of their dwellings,

²⁷ that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.

¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ They took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which you are speaking about?

²⁰ For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”

²¹ Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

²² Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.

²³ For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you.

²⁴ The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands.

²⁵ He isn’t served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath and all things.

²⁶ He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons and the boundaries of their dwellings,

²⁷ that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

¹⁷ So he had discussions in the Synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and every day in the market-place with those who were there.

¹⁸ And some of those who were supporters of the theories of the Epicureans and the Stoics, had a meeting with him. And some said, What is this talker of foolish words saying? And others, He seems to be a preacher of strange gods: because he was preaching of Jesus and his coming back from the dead.

¹⁹ And they took him to Mars' Hill, saying, Will you make clear to us what is this new teaching of yours?

²⁰ For you seem to us to say strange things, and we have a desire to get the sense of them.

²¹ (Now all the Athenians and the men from other lands who come there were giving all their time to talking or hearing of anything new.)

²² And Paul got to his feet on Mars' Hill and said, O men of Athens, I see that you are overmuch given to fear of the gods.

²³ For when I came by, I was looking at the things to which you give worship, and I saw an altar with this writing on it, TO THE GOD OF WHOM THERE IS NO KNOWLEDGE. Now, what you, without knowledge, give worship to, I make clear to you.

²⁴ The God who made the earth and everything in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, is not housed in buildings made with hands;

²⁵ And he is not dependent on the work of men's hands, as if he had need of anything, for he himself gives to all life and breath and all things;

²⁶ And he has made of one blood all the nations of men living on all the face of the earth, ordering their times and the limits of their lands,

²⁷ So that they might make search for God, in order, if possible, to get knowledge of him and make discovery of him, though he is not far from every one of us:

¹⁷ He reasoned therefore in the synagogue with the Jews, and those who worshipped, and in the market-place every day with those he met with.

¹⁸ But some also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers attacked him. And some said, What would this chatterer say? and some, He seems to be an announcer of foreign demons, because he announced the glad tidings of Jesus and the resurrection to them.

¹⁹ And having taken hold on him they brought him to Areopagus, saying, Might we know what this new doctrine which is spoken by thee is?

²⁰ For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears. We wish therefore to know what these things may mean.

²¹ Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else than to tell and to hear the news.

²² And Paul standing in the midst of Areopagus said, Athenians, in every way I see you given up to demon worship;

²³ for, passing through and beholding your shrines, I found also an altar on which was inscribed, To the unknown God. Whom therefore ye reverence, not knowing him, him I announce to you.

²⁴ The God who has made the world and all things which are in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands,

²⁵ nor is served by men's hands as needing something, himself giving to all life and breath and all things;

²⁶ and has made of one blood every nation of men to dwell upon the whole face of the earth, having determined ordained times and the boundaries of their dwelling,

²⁷ that they may seek God; if indeed they might feel after him and find him, although he is not far from each one of us:

¹⁷ He disputed, therefore, in the synagogue with the Jews, and with them that served God, and in the marketplace, every day with them that were there.

¹⁸ And certain philosophers of the Epicureans and of the Stoics disputed with him; and some said: What is it, that this word sower would say? But others: He seemeth to be a setter forth of new gods; because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ And taking him, they brought him to the Areopagus, saying: May we know what this new doctrine is, which thou speakest of?

²⁰ For thou bringest in certain new things to our ears. We would know therefore what these things mean.

²¹ (Now all the Athenians, and strangers that were there, employed themselves in nothing else, but either in telling or in hearing some new thing.)

²² But Paul standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious.

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

²⁵ Neither is he served with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing; seeing it is he who giveth to all life, and breath, and all things:

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

¹⁷ Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those coming by.

¹⁸ And also some of the Epicurean and of the Stoic philosophers were conversing with him. And some were saying, “What does this seed-picker wish to say?” But others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign deities,” because he was preaching the good news of Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ And taking hold of him, they brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is you speak about?

²⁰ For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we desire to know what these things might mean.”

²¹ Now all the Athenians and the strangers staying there as visitors spent their time in nothing other than to say or to hear some new thing.

²² Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men, Athenians, according to all things I perceive you as being very religious;

²³ for as I passed by and considered the objects of your worship, I found also an altar on which it had been inscribed: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, Him whom being ignorant of you worship, this One I announce to you:

²⁴ The God who made the world and all the things in it, He being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands,

²⁵ nor by the hands of men is He served, as though He needed anything, for He gives to all life and breath with respect to all things.

²⁶ And He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, and He ordained their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,

²⁷ in order for them to seek the Lord, if perhaps indeed they might grope for Him and find Him, and yet being indeed not far from each one of us;

¹⁷ So he reasoned both in the synagogue with the Jews and devout persons, and in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.

¹⁸ Then certain philosophers, both Epicureans and Stoics, encountered him. Some said, “What might this idea-scavenger want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign deities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ So taking him in tow they led him to the Areopagus and said: “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?

²⁰ Because you are bringing some strange things to our ears, and we would like to know what they might mean.”

²¹ (Now all Athenians and resident foreigners spent their time in nothing else but to tell, or else to hear, some novelty.)

²² So standing in the middle of the Areopagus Paul said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious;

²³ because as I went along and scrutinized the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO UNKNOWN GOD. Now then, the one you worship as ‘unknown’, this is the One I proclaim to you:

²⁴ The God who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples built by hands,

²⁵ neither is He cared for by men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself has always given life and breath to all.

²⁶ And from one blood He made every ethnic nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,

²⁷ so that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;

¹⁷ He debated in the synagogue with the Jews and those who worshiped God, as well as in the marketplace with those he happened to meet from day to day.

¹⁸ Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also argued with him. “What is he going on about?” they wondered. Others concluded, “He seems to be teaching about some foreign gods,” because he was speaking about Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ So they took him to the Areopagus, and asked him, “Please tell us about this new teaching that you're promoting.

²⁰ We're hearing from you things that sound odd to us, so we'd like to know what they mean.”

²¹ (All the Athenians, including foreigners who lived there, spent their whole time doing nothing except explaining or listening to something new.)

²² Paul stood up right in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “People of Athens, I notice you are very religious about everything.

²³ As I was walking along, looking at your shrines, I found an altar that had the inscription, ‘To an Unknown God.’ This unknown God whom you worship is the one I'm describing to you.

²⁴ The God who created the world and everything in it, the Lord of heaven and earth, doesn't live in temples we make.

²⁵ He doesn't need to be served by us as if he needed anything, since he is the source of all life for every living being.

²⁶ From one man he made all the peoples who live on the earth, and decided beforehand when and where they should live.

²⁷ God's purpose was that they should seek him, hoping they would reach out for him and find him—though he isn't far from any one of us.

¹⁷ Therefore he disputed in the Synagogue with the Iewes, and with them that were religious, and in the market daily with whomesoeuer he met.

¹⁸ Then certaine Philosophers of the Epicures, and of the Stoickes, disputed with him, and some sayde, What will this babler say? Others sayde, He seemeth to be a setter forth of straunge gods (because hee preached vnto them Iesus, and the resurrection.)

¹⁹ And they tooke him, and brought him into Mars streete, saying, May we not know, what this newe doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

²⁰ For thou bringest certaine strange thinges vnto our eares: we woulde knowe therefore, what these things meane.

²¹ For all the Athenians, and strangers which dwelt there, gaue them selues to nothing els, but either to tell, or to heare some newes.

²² Then Paul stoode in the mids of Mars streete, and sayde, Yee men of Athens, I perceiue that in all things yee are too superstitious.

²³ For as I passed by, and behelde your deuotions, I founde an altar wherein was written, VNTO THE VNKNOWEN GOD. Whom ye then ignorantly worship, him shewe I vnto you.

²⁴ God that made the world, and all things that are therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaue and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands,

²⁵ Neither is worshipped with mens handes, as though he needed any thing, seeing hee giueth to all life and breath and all things,

²⁶ And hath made of one blood all mankinde, to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath assigned the seasons which were ordeined before, and the boundes of their habitation,

²⁷ That they shoulde seeke the Lord, if so be they might haue groped after him, and founde him though doubtlesse he be not farre from euery one of vs.

¹⁷ 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.

¹⁸ Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, 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.

¹⁹ And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

²⁰ For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

²¹ (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

²² Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

²³ 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.

²⁴ God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

²⁵ neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

²⁶ and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

²⁷ that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

¹⁷ Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout Greeks, and in the market daily with those that met him.

¹⁸ And some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, What doth this babbler mean to say? and others, He seemeth to be a setter forth of foreign gods; because he brought the glad tidings of Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ And they took him and brought him to Mars' hill, saying, May we know what this new doctrine is, of which thou speakest?

²⁰ For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears. We would know therefore what these things mean.

²¹ Now all the Athenians, and the strangers residing among them, spent their leisure for nothing else but to tell or to hear something new.

²² Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye are very devout.

²³ For while passing along and observing your objects of worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, “To an unknown God.” What therefore ye, without knowledge of it, worship, that do I make known to you.

²⁴ The God who made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

²⁵ nor doth he receive service at the hands of men, as though he needed anything, since it is he that giveth to all life and breath and all things.

²⁶ And he made of one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having fixed appointed times, and the bounds of their habitation;

²⁷ that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he is not far from every one of us.

¹⁷ So he argued in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who joined in their worship, as well as daily in the public Square with those who happened to be there.

¹⁸ Amongst others, some Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers joined issue with him. Some asked “What is this prater wanting to make out?”, while others said “He seems to be a preacher of foreign Deities.” (This was because he was telling the good news about Jesus and the resurrection).

¹⁹ So they laid hold of him and took him to the Court of Areopagus. “May we hear,” they asked, “what new teaching this is which you are giving?

²⁰ For you are bringing some strange things to our notice, and we should like to know what they mean.”

²¹ (All Athenians and the foreigners staying in the city found no time for anything else but telling, or listening to, the last new thing.)

²² So Paul took his stand in the middle of the Court, and said — “People of Athens, on every hand I see signs of your being very devout.

²³ For as I was going about, looking at your sacred shrines, I came upon an altar with this inscription — ‘To an Unknown God.’ What, therefore, you worship in ignorance, that I am now proclaiming to you.

²⁴ The God who made the world and all things that are in it — he, Lord as he is of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hands,

²⁵ neither do human hands minister to his wants, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives, to all, life, and breath, and all things.

²⁶ He made all races of the earth's surface — fixing a time for their rise and fall, and the limits of their settlements —

²⁷ That they might search for God, if by any means they might feel their way to him and find him. And yet he is not really far from any one of us;

¹⁷ So he argued in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who joined in their worship, as well as daily in the public Square with those who happened to be there.

¹⁸ Among others, some Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers joined issue with him. Some asked “What is this prater wanting to make out?”, while others said “He seems to be a preacher of foreign Deities.” (This was because he was telling the good news about Jesus and the resurrection).

¹⁹ So they laid hold of him and took him to the Court of Areopagus. “May we hear,” they asked, “what new teaching this is which you are giving?

²⁰ For you are bringing some strange things to our notice, and we should like to know what they mean.”

²¹ (All Athenians and the foreigners staying in the city found no time for anything else but telling, or listening to, the last new thing.)

²² So Paul took his stand in the middle of the Court, and said — “People of Athens, on every hand I see signs of your being very devout.

²³ For as I was going about, looking at your sacred shrines, I came upon an altar with this inscription — ‘To an Unknown God.’ What, therefore, you worship in ignorance, that I am now proclaiming to you.

²⁴ The God who made the world and all things that are in it — he, Lord as he is of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hands,

²⁵ neither do human hands minister to his wants, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives, to all, life, and breath, and all things.

²⁶ He made all races of the earth's surface — fixing a time for their rise and fall, and the limits of their settlements —

²⁷ That they might search for God, if by any means they might feel their way to him and find him. And yet he is not really far from any one of us;

¹⁷ So every day he went to the Jewish meeting house and talked with the people there about Jesus. Some of those people were Jews, and some were Greeks that believed in God. And Paul went to the place in the middle of the town where there were a lot of people, and he talked about Jesus to the people that he met there.

¹⁸ Some of that Athens mob always thought about the best way for people to live. Some of them were called Epicureans, and some were called Stoics. They talked to Paul, and he told them about Jesus. Paul said that Jesus died, and God made him alive again. Some of that mob said, “This man is just talking rubbish.” Other people said, “We think he is talking about gods from other countries.”

¹⁹ So they took Paul to a meeting of the town council, and they asked him, “What are you telling everyone? Tell us what this new message is all about.

²⁰ You are saying things that shock us, and we want to understand what you mean.”

²¹ You see, the Athens people, and the people from other places that lived there, they liked to talk about new ideas all the time, and they liked to hear anything new that other people told them.

²² Then Paul stood up and talked to the council mob at Athens. He said, “I can see that you Athens mob think a lot about gods.

²³ I walked around this town and I saw a lot of statues that you set up, to show respect to a lot of gods. And I saw another stone that you set up, and you wrote on it, ‘This is for that god that we don’t know.’ Hey, you show respect to him even though you don’t know him. But I do know him, so now I want to tell you all about him. I’ll tell you about that God that you don’t know.

²⁴ He is the God that made all the world, and he made everything in the world. He is the boss of everybody everywhere. He is boss up in the sky and he is boss down here on the ground. So nobody can build a house big enough for him to live in.

²⁵ And he doesn’t need us to do anything for him. You see, he is the one that makes us alive, and he gives us our breath, and he gives us everything we need.

²⁶ At first he just made one man, then later we all came from that man, all of us in every tribe everywhere came from that man. God gave each tribe their own country, and he said where they can live and how long they can live there.

²⁷ He did this so that we can look around for him and try to find him. But really, he is not very far away from any of us.

¹⁷ Then he disputed in the synagoge with the Iewes and with the devout persones and in the market dayly with the that came vnto him.

¹⁸ Certayne philosophers of the Epicures and of the stoyckes disputed with him. And some ther were which sayde: what will this babler saye. Other sayd: he semeth to be a tydynges bringer of newe devyls because he preached vnto them Iesus and the resurreccion.

¹⁹ And they toke him and brought him into Marsestrete sayinge: maye we not knowe what this newe doctrine wher of thou speakest is?

²⁰ For thou bringest straunge tydynges to oure eares. We wolde knowe therfore what these thinges meane.

²¹ For all the Attenians and straungers which were there gave the selves to nothinge els but ether to tell or to heare newe tydynges.

²² Paul stode in the myddes of Marse strete and sayde: ye men of Attens I perceave that in all thinges ye are to supersticious.

²³ For as I passed by and behelde the maner how ye worship youre goddes I founde an aultre wher in was written: vnto the vnknowen god. Whom ye then ignorantly worship him shewe I vnto you.

²⁴ God that made the worlde and all that are in it seynge that he is Lorde of heven and erth he dwelleth not in temples made with hondes

²⁵ nether is worshipped with mennes hondes as though he neded of eny thinge seinge he him selfe geveth lyfe and breeth to all men every where

²⁶ and hath made of one bloud all nacions of men for to dwell on all the face of the erthe and hath assigned before how longe tyme and also the endes of their inhabitacion

²⁷ that they shuld seke God yf they myght fele and fynde him though he be not farre from every one of vs.

¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and others who worshiped God, as well as in the marketplace with those who happened to be there.

¹⁸ But also some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. Some said, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be one who calls people to follow strange gods,” because he was proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ They took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know this new teaching which you were speaking?

²⁰ For you bring some strange things to our ears. Therefore, we want to know what these things mean.”

²¹ (Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing but either telling or listening about something new.)

²² So Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “You men of Athens, I see that you are very religious in every way.

²³ For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found an altar with this inscription, “To an Unknown God.” What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I announce to you.

²⁴ The God who made the world and everything in it, since he is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples built with hands.

²⁵ Neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives people life and breath and everything else.

²⁶ From one man he made every nation of people to live on the surface of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons and the boundaries of their living areas,

²⁷ so that they should search for God and perhaps they may feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is not far from each one of us.

¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.

¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ They took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which you are speaking about?

²⁰ For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”

²¹ Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

²² Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.

²³ For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you.

²⁴ The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands.

²⁵ He isn’t served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath and all things.

²⁶ He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons and the boundaries of their dwellings,

²⁷ that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.

¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.

¹⁹ They took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which you are speaking about?

²⁰ For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”

²¹ Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

²² Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.

²³ For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you.

²⁴ The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands.

²⁵ He isn’t served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath and all things.

²⁶ He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons and the boundaries of their dwellings,

²⁷ that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

¹⁷ Therefore he disputed in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

¹⁸ Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? some others, He seemeth to be a setter-forth of strange gods: because he preached to them Jesus, and the resurrection.

¹⁹ And they took him, and brought him to Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine is , of which thou speakest?

²⁰ For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears; we would know therefore what these things mean.

²¹ (For all the Athenians and strangers who were there, spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

²² Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars-hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

²³ 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 to you.

²⁴ God that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

²⁵ Neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

²⁶ And hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

²⁷ That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he is not far from every one of us:

¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.

¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he preached Yeshua and the resurrection.

¹⁹ They took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which you are speaking about?

²⁰ For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”

²¹ Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

²² Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.

²³ For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you.

²⁴ The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands.

²⁵ He isn’t served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath and all things.

²⁶ He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons and the boundaries of their dwellings,

²⁷ that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.

¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he preached Yeshua and the resurrection.

¹⁹ They took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which you are speaking about?

²⁰ For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”

²¹ Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

²² Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.

²³ For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you.

²⁴ The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands.

²⁵ He isn’t served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath and all things.

²⁶ He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons and the boundaries of their dwellings,

²⁷ that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

¹⁷ Therefore he disputed in the synagogue with the Jews, and with men that worshipped God, and in the doom place or the chapping, by all days to them that heard.

¹⁸ And some Epicureans, and Stoics, and philosophers disputed with him. And some said, What will this sower of words say? And others said, He seemeth to be a teller of new fiends; for he told to them Jesus, and the again-rising.

¹⁹ And they took, and led him to Areopagus, that is, a common school, and said, May we know, what is this new doctrine, that is said of thee?

²⁰ For thou bringest in some new things to our ears; therefore we will know, what these things will be.

²¹ For all men of Athens and come-lings harboured, gave attention to none other thing, but either to say, either to hear, some new thing.

²² And Paul stood in the middle of Areopagus, and said, Men of Athens, by all things I see you as vain worshippers.

²³ For I passed, and saw your maumets or simulacra, and found an altar, in which was written, To the unknown God. Therefore which thing ye unknowing worship, this thing I show to you.

²⁴ God that made the world and all things that be in it, this, for he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with or by hand,

²⁵ neither is worshipped by man’s hands, neither hath need of anything, for he giveth life to all men, and breathing, and all things;

²⁶ and made of one all the kind of men to inhabit on all the face of the earth, determining times ordained, and terms of the dwelling or the habitation of them,

²⁷ to seek God, if peradventure they feel him, either find, though he be not far from each of you.

¹⁷ Therefore he disputed in the synagogue with the Jews, and with men that worshipped God, and in the doom place, or in the chapping, by all days to them that heard. (And so he disputed in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the men who worshipped God, and also in the city square, or at the market, every day with all those who would listen.)

¹⁸ And some Epicureans, and Stoics, and philosophers disputed with him. And some said, What will this sower of words say? And others said, He seemeth to be a teller of new fiends; for he told to them (of) Jesus, and (of) the again-rising, (or for he told them about Jesus, and about the resurrection).

¹⁹ And they took, and led him to Areopagus, that is, a common school, and said, May we know, what is this new doctrine, that is said of thee?

²⁰ For thou bringest in some new things to our ears; therefore we will know, what these things will be.

²¹ For all men of Athens and comelings (or newcomers) harboured (there), gave attention to none other thing, but either to say, either to hear, some new thing.

²² And Paul stood in the middle of Areopagus, and said, Men of Athens, by all things I see you as vain (or as futile) worshippers.

²³ For I passed (by), and saw your maumets, or your simulacra, (or and I saw your idols), and found an altar, in which was written, To the unknown God. Therefore which thing ye unknowing (or not knowing) worship, (or which ye worship in ignorance), this thing I (shall) show to you.

²⁴ God that made the world and all things that be in it, this (God), for he is (the) Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hand or made by hand,

²⁵ neither is worshipped by man’s hands, neither hath need of anything, for he giveth life to all men, and breathing, and all things;

²⁶ and made of one all the kind of men to inhabit on all the face of the earth, determining times ordained, and (the) terms of the dwelling or of the habitation of them,

²⁷ to seek God, if peradventure they feel him, either find (him), though he be not far from each of you.

¹⁷ therefore, indeed, he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the worshipping persons, and in the market-place every day with those who met with him.

¹⁸ And certain of the Epicurean and of the Stoic philosophers, were meeting together to see him, and some were saying, 'What would this seed picker wish to say?' and others, 'Of strange demons he doth seem to be an announcer;' because Jesus and the rising again he did proclaim to them as good news,

¹⁹ having also taken him, unto the Areopagus they brought him, saying, 'Are we able to know what is this new teaching that is spoken by thee,

²⁰ for certain strange things thou dost bring to our ears? we wish, then, to know what these things would wish to be;'

²¹ and all Athenians, and the strangers sojourning, for nothing else were at leisure but to say something, and to hear some newer thing.

²² And Paul, having stood in the midst of the Areopagus, said, 'Men, Athenians, in all things I perceive you as over-religious;

²³ for passing through and contemplating your objects of worship, I found also an erection on which had been inscribed: To God — unknown; whom, therefore — not knowing — ye do worship, this One I announce to you.

²⁴ 'God, who did make the world, and all things in it, this One, of heaven and of earth being Lord, in temples made with hands doth not dwell,

²⁵ neither by the hands of men is He served — needing anything, He giving to all life, and breath, and all things;

²⁶ He made also of one blood every nation of men, to dwell upon all the face of the earth — having ordained times before appointed, and the bounds of their dwellings —

²⁷ to seek the Lord, if perhaps they did feel after Him and find, — though, indeed, He is not far from each one of us,