The transitional particle so introduces what Paul did as the result of his great concern about the city being full of idols.

Paul obviously divided his ministry in Athens between (1) the synagogue, where he argued with Jews and devout Gentiles concerning Jesus, and (2) the public square, where he discussed with people the theme of the Good News. The public square is literally “the market place,” and it is felt by some that this was the market northwest of the Acropolis, where pottery was sold and which was the center of Athenian life and trade.

In rendering the expression with the people who happened to come by, it is important not to suggest that Paul grabbed such people and forced them to listen to him. In fact, it may be necessary to translate as “talked with the people who happened to come by and would listen to him.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .