In Acts 17:16-34, when the Apostle Paul arrived in Athens, he was troubled by the prevalence of idolatry in the city. Athens was filled with numerous idols and altars dedicated to various gods, which deeply concerned him. Paul was distressed to see the city full of objects of worship that did not recognize the one true God.
This prompted him to engage with both the local philosophers and the general populace, sharing his message about Jesus and the resurrection. He used the opportunity to address the Athenians' religious practices, even pointing out an altar with the inscription "To an unknown god." He used this as a springboard to explain the nature of God and to call them to repentance, emphasizing that God does not dwell in temples made by human hands and is not served by human hands.
Overall, Paul's concern for the spiritual state of Athens and the idolatry he witnessed motivated his passionate proclamation of the Gospel in that city.