Definition: Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 17:16. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage about Paul's spiritual journey. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Think of it like this: “While Paul waited…” – This means Paul was patiently waiting for his friends, the believers he’d sent to Athens, to arrive. He was anticipating their arrival and feeling a little restless. “…his spirit was stirred…” - This is key. It wasn't just any spirit; it felt like something stronger than usual. A spark of excitement or perhaps even a little worry began to grow within him. "...when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry." – This describes what triggered this stirring. “Idolatry” means worshipping false gods, things that aren't real and aren’t connected to God. The verse paints a picture of Athens (a major city at the time) completely devoted to idols – symbols or representations of something else than the true God. So, putting it all together: Paul was waiting for his friends in Athens, but he felt a strong feeling of discomfort and perhaps even a little sadness because he saw that Athens had become obsessed with worshipping false gods. It suggests he wasn’t just waiting; he was reacting to something unsettling – a shift away from the true God. What does this tell us about Paul? It shows that Paul wasn't always content with simply preaching and teaching. He was grappling with a spiritual challenge – the potential for people to lose their way and turn to things that aren’t real or aligned with God. Important Note: The verse doesn't mean everything in Athens was idolatry. It’s more about a growing tendency towards focusing on false gods and worshipping things that don’t connect to the true God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Paul's life?