² This is what the Lord says:

⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling^(A) like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.^(B)

⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need^(A) before you ask him.

³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.^(A)

¹⁶ In the past, he let^(A) all nations go their own way.^(B)

⁴ Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas,^(A) as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

In Athens

¹⁶ While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue^(A) with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.