■ 22* The verse has the appearance of a captatio benevolentiae, and should be taken as such. The adjective δεισιδαίμων means “religious” and can be just as uncomplimentary as the English word in certain contexts. This is not such a context.74 Athenian piety was no less a stereotype than Athenian curiosity.75 Paul has no need to inculcate interest in religion. He assumes that interest and sets out to correct it. ■ 23* Here the periegesis theme, initiated in v. 16*, finds its purpose: among the religious