17:18 Epicurean Epicureanism was a system of thought that asserted there was no connection between people and the divine. This belief was expressed in a desire to seek contentment and satisfaction and to avoid pain and discomfort.

Stoicism was an essentially pantheistic system of thought that prioritized logic over all other faculties

17:19 Areopagus Meaning the “hill of Aries.” Aries was the god of war in Greek mythology, who is called Mars in Latin. This was the name of a location and also of the civil and religious council that met there.

17:23 To an unknown God This unknown god demonstrates the lack of clarity and certainty in Athenian philosophy. They freely admit there could be a deity they are unaware of.

search for God People have a desire to seek God, but their sin confuses their understanding.