Paul Talks to Smart People

Paul went to a big city called Athens. This city had lots and lots of statues—statues of pretend gods everywhere! This made Paul sad because the people didn't know about the real God.

Paul went to the marketplace and started talking to people about Jesus. Some smart people called philosophers heard him. 'What is this guy talking about?' they wondered. They brought Paul to a special place called Mars Hill where people gave speeches.

'Tell us about this new teaching!' they said.

Paul was brave. He stood up in front of everyone and said, 'People of Athens, I can see you love to worship! As I walked around your city, I saw an altar with words that said "To the Unknown God." Well, I want to tell you about this God you don't know!'

Then Paul told them amazing things: 'The real God made the whole world and everything in it! He doesn't live in buildings made by people. He doesn't need anything from us—instead, He gives us everything! He gives us life and breath and all we have. God made every person on earth, and He's not far away. He's close to all of us!'

Paul continued, 'God wants everyone to know Him. He sent a special Man—Jesus—who came back to life after He died. This proves that Jesus will one day judge the world fairly.'

Some people laughed when Paul talked about someone coming back to life. But others wanted to hear more! And some people believed in Jesus that day, including a man named Dionysius and a woman named Damaris.

Paul showed us that we can tell anyone about Jesus—even really smart people who think they know everything. The real God is not made of stone or gold. He's alive, and He loves us!