While in Athens waiting for Silas and Timothy (Timotheus) to arrive, Paul "dispute...in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him." (Acts 17:17) Paul apparently had a willing audience, since the people inquired, "May we know what this new B doctrine, wherof thou speakest, is? For thou bringeth certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean." (Acts 17:19-20.)

Among those who listened, belived and accepted Paul's teachings were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, and others with them." (Acts 17:34.)Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, where he was joined by Silas and Timothy, and "was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was christ." (Acts 18:5.)

Without doubt, Paul bore fervent testimony. Yet, some of the people "opposed themselves and blasphemed" (Acts 18:6), rejecting his teachings and testimony.

The spirit prompting Paul to bear testimony of Jesus was an experience shared by many of the Lord's apostles, who are called to be special witnesses. Joseph Smith Taught: "The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it." (History of the church 3:30.)

President Spencer W. Kimball observed: "By one means or another, the swiftest method of rejection of the holy prophets has been to find a pretext, however false or absurd, to dismiss the man so that his message could also be dismissed. Prophets who were not glib, but slow of speech, were esteemed as naught. Instead of responding to Paul's message, some saw his bodily presence as weak and regarded his speech as contemptible. Perhaps they judged Paul by the Timbre of his voice or by the style of speech, not the truths uttered by him."

But some did listen to the truths uttered by Paul. Justus tood him into his home; Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed, as did many other Corinthians who were baptized. (Acts 18:7-8.)

:wq!