Paul's missionary plans took an unexpected detour to Athens, but that led directly to the conversion of a respected intellectual there, a man named Dionysius. The intellectual spirit of Athens created a great challenge to the proclamation of the gospel, but Paul had been too stirred up by seeing the city drowning in idols to remain silent. His approach there was unique and suited to the situation, and was rewarded by the conversion of Dionysius, who tradition tells us served as the first bishop of Athens.