Acts 17:16 net — Paul at Athens While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was greatly upset because he saw the city was full…

NET Bible

"Paul at Athens While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was greatly upset because he saw the city was full of idols."

— Acts 17:16, NET Bible

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Acts 17:16 in Other Translations

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Acts 17 — Context

13

But when the Jews from Thessalonica heard that Paul had also proclaimed the word of God in Berea, they came there too, inciting and disturbing the crowds.

14

Then the brothers sent Paul away to the coast at once, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea.

15

Those who accompanied Paul escorted him as far as Athens, and after receiving an order for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left.

16

Paul at Athens While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was greatly upset because he saw the city was full of idols.

17

So he was addressing the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogue, and in the marketplace every day those who happened to be there.

18

Also some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were conversing with him, and some were asking,“What does this foolish babbler want to say?” Others said,“He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods.”(They said this because he was proclaiming the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.)

19

So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, saying,“May we know what this new teaching is that you are proclaiming?

Acts 17:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Acts 17:16 say?
Acts 17:16 in the NET Bible reads: “Paul at Athens While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was greatly upset because he saw the city was full of idols.”
Where is Acts 17:16 in the Bible?
Acts 17:16 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Acts, chapter 17, verse 16.
Who wrote Acts?
Acts is traditionally attributed to Luke. It was written c. AD 62–64.
What is the book of Acts about?
Acts is the sequel to Luke's Gospel — the story of how the message of the risen Jesus moved out from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Through Peter, Paul, and many ordinary believers, the Holy Spirit builds the early church across the Roman world.
What are the major themes of Acts?
Acts explores themes including Holy Spirit, Mission, Church Growth, Persecution, Gospel to the Gentiles. These themes shape the meaning and context of Acts 17:16.
What translation should I read Acts 17:16 in?
Acts 17:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Acts 17:16?
Acts 17:16 reads (NET): “Paul at Athens While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was greatly upset because he saw the city was full of idols.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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