Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
16. Was sore grieved. Though Paul, whithersoever he came, did stoutly execute that function of teaching which he knew was enjoined with him, yet Luke showeth that he was more incensed and moved at Athens, because he saw idolatry reign more there than in any other place for the most part.
Paul, though a scholar, made no business of their philosophy, he had learned to call it vain and stood above it. His work was to correct their disorders in religion, to turn them from idols and Satan's service to the true God in Christ. A city wholly given to idolatry needed not curious questions but correction.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 17:16-21
Now while Paul waited for them at Athens..... That is, for Silas and Timotheus: his spirit was stirred in him; not only his soul was troubled and his heart was grieved, but he was exasperated and provoked to the last degree: he was in a paroxysm; his heart was hot within him; he had a burning fire in his bones, and was weary with forbearing...