Greek Religion

Like most other religions of antiquity Greek religion was polytheistic: there were many different gods. Examples of Greek gods are Apollo, Artemis, Hermes and Zeus (the most important god in the pantheon). The gods were worshipped in various ways in various places. They came to life in stories (myths) that were passed down from generation to generation.

In the days of Hellenism, Greek religion underwent important changes. The Greek religion came increasingly under the influence of ideas from other peoples (see Greek religion in the Hellenistic period).

The Bible mentions a number of gods in the Greek pantheon. 2 Maccabees mentions a festival of Dionysus a few times. Dionysus was known first and foremost as the god of ecstasy and wine.
Acts 14:8-18 tells us that the inhabitants of Lystra think Barnabas and Paul are gods: the supreme god Zeus and Hermes, the messenger of the gods.
Acts 19:23-40 notes that the famous temple of the goddess Artemis in Ephesus was visited by many people. The silversmiths who made money from this “tourism” were afraid that Paul’s preaching would have negative effects on their trade.