Acts 17:28

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.”

This verse is part of a sermon delivered by the Apostle Paul in Athens, Greece. He was addressing a gathering of philosophers and intellectuals at the Areopagus, explaining the nature of the one true God and the message of Jesus Christ.

Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning:

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being”: Paul starts by emphasizing the inseparable connection between humanity and God. He declares that it is in God that we live, move, and exist. This statement reflects the biblical understanding that God is the ultimate source of life and sustains all things. It conveys the idea that our very existence is dependent on God’s continuous provision and support.

“As certain also of your own poets have said”: Paul makes a point of quoting a line from Greek poetry to resonate with his audience. While the exact reference is uncertain, this demonstrates Paul’s familiarity with Greek literature and culture. By referring to their poets, he seeks to establish common ground and connect his message with their existing beliefs and philosophies.

“For we are also his offspring”: Paul concludes by affirming that we are God’s offspring. This echoes the concept of humanity being created in the image of God, as stated in Genesis 1:27. It highlights the intimate relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing that we are not detached or distant from our Creator but rather intimately connected to Him as His children.

Overall, Acts 17:28 encapsulates Paul’s theological perspective on the relationship between God and humanity. It emphasizes our dependence on God for our existence and our common origin as His offspring. This verse also illustrates Paul’s approach to engaging with different cultures and philosophies, finding points of connection to share the gospel message effectively.