Paul the Middle Platonist? Exegetical Traditions on <i>Timaeus</i> 28c and the Characterization of Paul in Acts 17:16–31

Abstract Paul’s speech to the Areopagus in Acts 17 places apostle philosophical dialogue with Stoics and Epicureans. This article identifies important points of contact between Middle Platonic exegesis a famous phrase from Timaeus 28c. There, philosopher declares that maker father world is hard find, even more difficult talk about. Many later interpreters Plato commented on dictum. Platonists such as Plutarch mused about theological implications naming god both “maker” “father.” Jewish Christian like Philo Justin employed Plato’s describe their access divine revelation. The first portion this argues contains evidence similar exegesis, its references god’s roles claim declare unknown god. These resonances do than clarify author’s background; they also have previously unexplored for our understanding characterization 17. second half aligning Paul tradition, author participates an established Greco-Roman practice depicting Platonists, Stoics, Epicureans dialogue.