Acts 17:16

Was stirred [π α ρ ω ξ υ ν ε τ ο]. Better, as Rev., provoked. See on the kindred word contention [π α ρ ο ξ υ σ μ ο ς], ch. 14 39.

Saw [θ ε ω ρ ο υ ν τ ι]. Better, beheld. See on Luke 10:18.

Wholly given to idolatry [κ α τ ε ι δ ω λ ο ν]. Incorrect. The word, which occurs only here in the New Testament, and nowhere in classical Greek, means full of idols. It applies to the city, not to the inhabitants. "We learn from Pliny that at the time of Nero, Athens contained over three thousand public statues, besides a countless number of lesser images within the walls of private houses. Of this number the great majority were statues of gods, demi - gods, or heroes. In one street there stood before every house a square pillar carrying upon it a bust of the God Hermes. Another street, named the Street of the Tripods, was lined with tripods, dedicated by winners in the Greek national games, and carrying each one an inscription to a deity. Every gateway and porch carried its protecting God. Every street, every square, nay, every purlieu, had its sanctuaries, and a Roman poet bitterly remarked that it was easier in Athens to find gods than men" (G. S. Davies, " St. Paul in Greece ").