This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Acts 17:22-34, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
There was a man named Paul who went to a city called Athens. Athens was a place where people worshiped many gods, and they had an altar with an inscription that said “To the unknown god.”
Paul saw this and told the people of Athens that he knew who the unknown god was. He said that the true God created the world and everything in it, and He is Lord of heaven and earth. He doesn’t live in temples made by humans, and He doesn’t need anything from us because He gives us everything we have.
Paul also said that God made all people from one man and determined where they should live. He wants us to seek Him and find Him, and He’s not far away from us. We are all God’s children, so we shouldn’t think of Him as an image made of gold or silver or stone.
Paul told the people of Athens that in the past, they didn’t know about the one true God, but now they should repent and turn to Him. God has chosen a day to judge the world in righteousness, and He will do it through a man who He has appointed. This man died and was raised from the dead.
Some people mocked Paul when they heard about the resurrection of the dead, but others wanted to hear more. Some people even joined Paul and believed in God, including Dionysius and a woman named Damaris.
Biblical Lessons
- God is the one true God who created the world and everything in it.
- God wants us to turn away from our sins and follow Him.
- Jesus died and was raised from the dead, which proves that what Paul is saying is true.
- Not everyone will believe in God, but we should still share the good news with others.
Related Stories
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Paul Preaches at Rome under Guard
Must-Read Christian Books
The Pursuit of God
A heartfelt call to pursue God Himself above all else, with a strong emphasis on holiness and devotion.
View on Amazon
Holiness
A rich, pastoral treatment of sin, sanctification, and the fight for holiness in the Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Cross of Christ
A profound exploration of the meaning and power of the cross at the center of Christian faith and life.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination
Explains and defends the doctrines of grace and God's sovereign election from Scripture.
View on Amazon
Trusting God
Encourages believers to trust God's sovereignty, wisdom, and love in every circumstance.
View on Amazon
The Attributes of God
Devotional meditations on God's character that stir reverence and worship.
View on Amazon
The Sovereignty of God
A strong, Scripture-based defense of God's absolute rule over all things.
View on Amazon
A Body of Divinity
A warm, devotional exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's doctrines.
View on Amazon
The Bondage of the Will
Luther's classic defense of the Bible's teaching on human sin and God's sovereign grace.
View on Amazon
Preaching and Preachers
Classic lectures on the nature and power of biblical preaching.
View on Amazon
Delighting in the Trinity
A joyful, readable introduction to the triune God and why His tri-unity is good news.
View on Amazon
Idols of the Heart
Helps believers identify and repent of heart-idols through the lens of Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon