Acts 17:28 – “For in him we live and move and have our being.” As some of your own poets have said, “We are his offspring.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues his speech in Athens, explaining to the Greek philosophers who the true God is. He tells them that God is the source of all life, and that our very existence depends on Him.

Paul begins with the powerful statement: “In him we live and move and have our being.” This means that:

• We live – Our physical life is sustained by God. Every breath we take is a gift from Him (Job 33:4).
• We move – Our actions and abilities exist because God gives us strength (Isaiah 40:29).
• We have our being – Our identity and purpose are found in God, not in ourselves or in false gods (Colossians 1:17).

Then, Paul quotes a line from a Greek poet: “We are his offspring.” This phrase came from Greek literature, but Paul uses it to reinforce a biblical truth—all people were created by God. He is not saying that we are all automatically saved, but that humanity owes its existence to God as the Creator.

Paul skillfully connects with his audience by using a phrase familiar to them, but he shifts its meaning to reveal the truth about the real God. He is leading them away from their false idols and toward the living God who gives life to all.

Historical Context

Paul was speaking in Athens, a city filled with idols and philosophical debate. The Greeks had many gods, each responsible for different aspects of life. They did not see their gods as personal or relational, but as powerful beings who needed to be honored and appeased.

Paul challenges this idea by saying that everything comes from one true God—the very life they enjoy, their ability to move, and their very existence depend on Him. This was radically different from Greek thinking, which often divided the spiritual world from the physical world.

Paul also references a well-known phrase from a Greek poet. Scholars believe he may have been quoting Epimenides of Crete or Aratus, a Stoic poet. These poets were not writing about the God of the Bible, but Paul takes their words and uses them to reveal a greater truth—God is the Creator of all people, and our very existence depends on Him.

Theological Implications

1. God is the source of life. Every breath we take and every moment we experience is because of Him (Genesis 2:7).
2. God is actively involved in sustaining the world. He did not create everything and then leave it alone—He continues to uphold all things (Colossians 1:17).
3. Humanity was created by God and belongs to Him. We are not accidents of nature, but intentionally made in His image (Genesis 1:27).

Literary Analysis

Paul’s words in this verse follow a pattern often used in persuasive speech:

• First, he makes a bold declaration – “In him we live and move and have our being.” This states an absolute truth about God’s role in sustaining life.
• Second, he connects with his audience using familiar words – “We are his offspring.” By quoting their own poets, Paul makes his message more relatable.
• Third, he redirects them toward the truth – Paul uses their own cultural knowledge as a bridge to lead them away from idolatry and toward the real God.

This approach is a great example of how to share the gospel effectively—finding a point of connection and then using it to reveal God’s truth.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 2:7 – “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Our very breath comes from God.
• Job 33:4 – “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” God is the giver of life.
• Colossians 1:17 – “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” God sustains everything.
• Romans 8:16 – “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Those who believe in Jesus become true spiritual children of God.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that God is the source of everything we have. We are completely dependent on Him for life, purpose, and identity.

It also challenges us to see the world differently—not as something random or disconnected from God, but as something that exists only because of His sustaining power. This should lead us to humility and gratitude.

Furthermore, Paul’s approach teaches us how to share our faith with people who have different beliefs. He did not attack the Athenians’ culture, but he found common ground and used it to point them to the truth. This is an important lesson for how we can communicate God’s truth in today’s world.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in the fact that He sustains our lives, even when people do not recognize Him. He gives breath, strength, and existence to every person, regardless of whether they worship Him or not.

Even though the Athenians were worshiping false gods, God was still near to them, providing for them, and inviting them to seek Him (Acts 17:27). This shows His patience and mercy.

God does not force people to follow Him, but He constantly reveals Himself through creation, life itself, and ultimately through Jesus Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate revelation of the God Paul is describing. If we truly “live and move and have our being” in God, then the greatest way to know Him is through His Son.

• Jesus is the one through whom all things were made. John 1:3 – “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
• Jesus is the one who sustains everything. Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory… sustaining all things by his powerful word.”
• Jesus is the way to truly be part of God’s family. John 1:12 – “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Paul’s message in Acts 17:28 points to the ultimate truth that Jesus is the full revelation of God. If we are created by God, sustained by Him, and made for Him, then the only way to truly know our purpose is through Jesus.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to you that every breath and movement comes from God?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that we are independent or self-sufficient?
3. What are some ways people today “live and move” without recognizing that God is sustaining them?
4. How can Paul’s approach to sharing the gospel help us communicate with people who do not believe in God?
5. If all people are God’s creation, what does it mean to truly be part of God’s family through Jesus?