So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul opens by acknowledging the Athenians' profound religious devotion, not as criticism, but as a bridge. This "religiousness" he observes, particularly their altar to an "unknown God," becomes his key to introducing the God they don't know.
So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul, having been brought before the Areopagus, the highest court in Athens, finds himself surrounded by philosophers and citizens eager to hear his thoughts on "new things." He begins by acknowledging their reputation for deep religious devotion, noting their city is filled with idols and altars, even one dedicated to an "unknown god." This observation serves as his bridge to introduce the true God, whom they currently worship without knowing.
Paul stands before the intellectual giants of Athens, a city filled with idols and philosophical debate. How does he begin? Not with condemnation, but with surprising respect.
When Paul addresses the Athenians, he doesn't immediately launch into a harsh critique of their idolatry. Instead, he starts by acknowledging their deep religious devotion. He uses the phrase 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.'
Strategic Observation
The word Paul uses for 'religious' seems positive, but it carries a surprising nuance. What did he really mean, and why is the translation so tricky?
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The Greek word Paul uses, deisidaimonia, is fascinating. While modern translations often render it as 'superstitious,' this doesn't fully capture its original meaning and Paul's intent.
Beyond Simple Superstition
Understand the original words
deisidaimonesterous · Greek Adjective
A state of being devoted to the veneration of divine beings or idols; in this context, it describes the Greek practice of honoring many deities.
Paul's sermon in Athens wasn't just a theological discourse; it was a masterclass in cultural engagement. He wisely began by affirming the Athenians' deep-seated religiosity, a trait evident in their countless altars and temples, even one dedicated to an 'unknown god,' before revealing the true God they unknowingly worshipped.
c. 50 BC
Athens at its Zenith
Athens was a vibrant center of philosophy, culture, and religion, renowned throughout the Roman Empire. However, its political power had waned significantly.
c. AD 40-50
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul embarked on extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, spreading the Christian message to various cities and communities.
c. AD 50
Paul Arrives in Athens
During his second missionary journey, Paul arrived in Athens and began to teach in the synagogues and the marketplace, drawing attention from philosophers.
c. AD 50— this verse
Paul Before the Areopagus
Paul was brought before the Areopagus, a prominent council in Athens, where he delivered a powerful sermon addressing their known religious devotion and introducing them to the unknown God.
c. AD 50-60
Spread of Christianity
Following Paul's ministry, the Christian faith continued to spread, albeit slowly, throughout the Greco-Roman world, encountering both acceptance and opposition.
This passage speaks to how God's eternal power and divine nature have always been visible through creation, which Paul uses to connect with the Athenians' awareness of divine things even in their idolatry.
John 1:9Paul's opening statement about the Athenians' religiosity resonates with the concept of the true light that gives light to everyone, suggesting that even in their diverse and sometimes misguided worship, a flicker of God's truth was present.
Psalm 115:4-8This Psalm starkly contrasts the true God with idols, providing a theological backdrop to Paul's address, as he acknowledges their devotion to the gods while preparing to reveal the Creator of all.
Isaiah 44:9-20This passage strongly condemns the creation of idols, offering a prophetic parallel to Paul's situation where he confronts a city filled with images and man-made gods, highlighting the futility of their worship.
ellicottActs 17:22: "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."
(22) Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill. —Better, Areopagus, as before. The Court sat in the open air on benches forming three sides of a quadrangle. A short flight of sixteen steps, cut in the rock, led from the agora to the plateau where the Court held its sittings. If it was actually sitting at the time, the temptation to have recourse to it, if onl…
barnesActs 17:22: "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."
Then Paul - This commences Paul's explanation of the doctrines which he had stated. It is evident that Luke has recorded but a mere summary or outline of the discourse; but it is such as to enable us to see clearly his course of thought, and the manner in which he met the two principal sects of their philosophers. In the midst of Mars' hill - Greek: Areop…
Paul opens by acknowledging the Athenians' profound religious devotion, not as criticism, but as a bridge. This "religiousness" he observes, particularly their altar to an "unknown God," becomes his key to introducing the God they don't know.
Paul, having been brought before the Areopagus, the highest court in Athens, finds himself surrounded by philosophers and citizens eager to hear his thoughts on "new things." He begins by acknowledging their reputation for deep religious devotion, noting their city is filled with idols and altars, even one dedicated to an "unknown god." This observation serves as his bridge to introduce the true God, whom they currently worship without knowing.
Paul, having been brought before the Areopagus, the highest court in Athens, finds himself surrounded by philosophers and citizens eager to hear his thoughts on "new things." He begins by acknowledging their reputation for deep religious devotion, noting their city is filled with idols and altars, even one dedicated to an "unknown god." This observation serves as his bridge to introduce the true God, whom they currently worship without knowing.
"So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious." — Paul opens by acknowledging the Athenians' profound religious devotion, not as criticism, but as a bridge. This "religiousness" he observes, particularly their altar to an "unknown God," becomes his…
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Last reviewed October 2026