Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to argue with Paul. Originally the Epicureans had taught that the supreme good is happiness (something that still holds sway to a certain extent in the West), but not mere momentary pleasure. However, it had degenerated into a more sensually oriented system. Stoic philosophers taught that people should live in harmony with nature and suppress their desires, it too had degenerated into pride and self-righteousness. They didn't think much of Paul's preaching, which was focused on Jesus and the resurrection. So they took him to Mars hill and wanted him to explain more. In Greek society at the time there was a great interest in various ideas and debate, but Luke implies that this was a rather idle notion, rather than one truly devoted to the betterment of mankind.
So Paul addresses the people. When he says they are religious this could be either positive or negative, ie saying they are devoted to higher things, or that they are merely superstitious. Paul points out that they have lots of gods, including one called the "unknown god". So Paul uses their own points of reference as a way in to explain the good news to them.
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