| Greek authors are rarely cited in the New Testament. One verse, however, from the Phenomena of Aratus and two verses of a quatrain attributed to Epimenides are mentioned by Paul the Apostle, in his speech at the Areopagus in Athens and his epistle to the Apostle Titus in Crete. Paul may possibly have consulted the works of the above authors during his journey to Athens; they may even have been included in a collection of poems derived from Stoic circles. The tradition linking the Cretan prophet’s activities in Athens to the foundation of altars to known or unknown gods must have been decisive for Paul’s interest in Epimenides. |