The Uproar in Thessalonica

1Having pass'd thro' Amphipolis and Apollonia, they arriv'd at Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue. 2Paul, as was his custom, us'd to go there, and for three sabbath-days discours'd to the Jews from the scriptures, 3explaining them, and setting it to view, that the Messiah was to suffer and rise again from the dead: and that Jesus, whom he denounc'd to them, was that very Messiah. 4Some of them believed, and join'd themselves to Paul and Silas, besides a great number of Greek proselytes, and several women of distinction.

5but the unbelieving Jews thro' envy, by the assistance of some loose strolers, rais'd a mob, set the whole city in an uproar, and attack'd Jason's house, thinking to find them there, and deliver them up to the populace. 6but not finding them, they dragg'd Jason and some of the brethren to the magistrates, crying out, these that have been every where the disturbers of the publick peace, are come hither also, and have been entertain'd by Jason. 7they all act in defiance of the edicts of Cesar, pretending there is another king, one Jesus. 8the people, and the magistrates upon hearing this were alarm'd: 9however having oblig'd Jason and the rest to give security, they let them go.

The Character of the Bereans

10Immediately the brethren sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea, where being arriv'd, they went into the synagogue. 11the Jews there were of a more generous temper than those of Thessalonica: for they very readily embrac'd their doctrine, and daily examin'd, whether it was conformable to the scriptures. 12so that many of them believed, besides a considerable number of women of distinction, and of men, that were Greeks. 13but when the Jews of Thessalonica were inform'd that Paul had preached the word of God at Berea, they went thither to stir up the populace. 14Upon this the brethren immediately sent Paul away to the sea-coast, but Silas and Timothy staid there. 15however Paul's guides attended him to Athens: where they left him, after having received his orders for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed.

Paul in Athens

16While Paul was expecting them at Athens, he was grieved to the soul to see the whole city o'er-spread with idols. 17he disputed therefore in the synagogue with the Jews, and the proselyted Greeks: and in the publick place daily with those he met. 18there certain Epicurean and Stoick philosophers encountred him: "what does this mountebank mean?" said some: "he seems to proclaim some strange deitys," said others: because he talk'd to them of Jesus and the resurrection. 19One day they conducted him to the Areopagus, and said to him, may we know what this new doctrine is, which you publish? 20for what you say sounds so very strange, we should be glad to know what it means. 21now the Athenians, and the foreigners residing at Athens generally amus'd themselves about nothing, but hearing and spreading of news.

Paul’s Address in the Areopagus

22Then Paul being plac'd in the middle of the Areopagus, said thus, "I observe, O Athenians, that you are in a manner too devout. 23for considering, as I pass'd along, the deitys, which you adore, I met with an altar that had this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD, now that GOD whom you worship without knowing him, is the same that I denounce to you. 24the GOD who made the world and every thing therein, and is the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples erected by men: 25he receives no service from their officiousness: he is self-sufficient: it is he that gives to all their life and breath and every thing they have. 26he he has deduced all mankind from one parent, to inhabit the surface of the whole earth, having pre-establish'd the appointed periods, and the boundarys of their dominions: 27by which they might enquire, and by due reflection investigate the supreme being, although he be not far from every one of us: for in him we live, 28are moved, and do exist: even as some of your own poets have said, WE ARE EVEN HIS OFFSPRING. 29since then we are the offspring of God, we should not imagine that the Deity bears any resemblance to the form which Gold, or Silver, or Stone has receiv'd from human art and industry. 30God has been pleas'd to over-look this state of ignorance: but now he enjoins all men every where to repent: 31because he has fix'd the day, when he will judge in equity, by that man, whom he has appointed thereto: of which he has given full proof to all the world, by having raised him from the dead."

32When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some made it a matter of ridicule: others said, we will hear you again upon this subject; 33upon which Paul left the assembly. 34however, there were some who adher'd to him, as Denis the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.