{Having heard} (akousantes). Such elaborate preparation
"with the multitudes" (sun tois ochlois) spread rumours and
some who spoke Greek told Paul and Barnabas. It is possible that
the priest of Jupiter may have sent a formal request that the
visiting "gods" might come out to the statue by the temple gates
to make it a grand occasion. They rent their garments
(diarr(8878)antes). First aorist active participle from
diarr(8867)numi, old verb to rend in two. Like the high priest in
 Mt 26:65  as if an act of sacrilege was about to be committed.
It was strange conduct for the supposed gods! {Sprang forth}
(exep(8864)(8873)an). First aorist (ingressive) active indicative of
ekp(8864)a(935c) (note ek), old verb, here only in the N.T. It was all
a sign of grief and horror with loud outcries (krazontes).