Acts 17:28 meaning
In this profound declaration, the Apostle Paul speaks to the Athenians about the nature of God, emphasizing that humanity’s very existence is tied to Him. This assertion highlights a fundamental theological truth: our life, movement, and existence are contingent upon the divine. The context for this statement is steeped in a dialogue with a polytheistic culture, emphasizing not only the Creator's role but also the closeness of God to humanity. Paul’s reference to Greek poets serves to bridge cultural gaps, showing that truth can be found even among the philosophical musings of the day.
This verse encapsulates the relational aspect of God, emphasizing that He is not a distant deity but one who intimately interacts with His creation. While the Athenians believed in many gods, Paul redirects their understanding to recognize a singular, living God who sustains life. Such a connection invites contemplation about humanity's responsibility to seek and worship the true God, moving beyond mere acknowledgment of the divine to genuine relationship. Ultimately, this call encourages repentance and recognition of our dependence on Him as the source of all life and meaning—an urgent message relevant in any context. For in Him we live and move and have our being... (Acts 17:28, NASB95).
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Acts 17:22-34 meaning. Paul gives a sermon that does not presume prior knowledge of the Old Testament. Paul compliments the Athenians on how reverent they are toward divine powers. Paul observes that one of the idols in Athens is dedicated to “the unknown god.” He uses this unknown god as a stand-in for the true God, that although He is unknown to the Greeks, He desires to be known by them. Paul explains that the true God is the real power behind all life. He is a God who does not live in temples. Paul claims that God has overlooked the Athenians’ past; they did not know Him and had not heard of Him until now, but now God was calling them to repent and return to Him because He has appointed a day in which everyone will be judged by a Man who was raised from the dead. Some of Paul’s listeners think the claim that God resurrected a Man is too incredible to believe. But others are very interested in what Paul is preaching. Some Greeks even go to him to learn more. They then believe in Jesus. One of the new believers is an Athenian judge.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Acts 17:1-9 meaning. After leaving Philippi, Paul, Silas, and Timothy make their way further west into Macedonia. In the city of Thessalonica, Paul preaches at a Jewish synagogue. For three Sabbaths, he uses the Old Testament to show that Jesus was the Messiah, who was prophesied to die and resurrect. A significant number of the Jews, God-fearing gentiles, and important women believe in Jesus. Other Jews are filled with jealousy. They rouse a mob and tear through the city. The mob alerts the authorities to Paul’s presence in town, that he and his teachings are upsetting other cities in the Roman Empire. They claim that what he teaches is opposed to Caesar, because he is corrupting people into believing in a false king named Jesus.
- Acts 10:17-23 meaning. The Holy Spirit Tells Peter to Go with Cornelius’s Servants. Peter wonders what the vision meant. The men from Cornelius arrive at the house where he is staying, and the Spirit prompts him to go away with these men to wherever they will take him; to trust them, because they were sent by the Spirit. Peter obeys. He greets the men, hears how their master was visited by an angel, who told Cornelius to find Peter in Joppa. Peter invites them to stay for the night before they leave. The next morning Peter and a few other Jews head to Caesarea with Cornelius’s servants.
- Genesis 17:9-11 meaning. God commands Abraham that every male who keeps the covenant must be circumcised as a sign of the covenant.