The bustling city of Athens was a global hub for philosophy and new ideas. On Mars Hill, a place known as the Areopagus, the city’s sharpest minds gathered. They debated everything from ethics to the nature of the gods. Into this intellectual arena stepped the Apostle Paul. He came not with condemnation, but with a unique message. He started his address by referencing an altar he saw dedicated “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” This clever opening set the stage for one of the most famous verses in the New Testament: Acts 17:28.
This single verse, “For in him we live and move and have our being,” serves as the bridge in Paul’s argument. It connects the Athenians’ philosophical searching to the God of the Bible. Furthermore, it reveals a powerful strategy for communicating truth across cultural divides. By understanding the context of this sermon, we can unlock the profound meaning behind these timeless words. Source
. Athens Travel Guide: Areopagus…
The Intellectual Heart of the Ancient World
To grasp the brilliance of Paul’s speech, we must first picture the scene. Athens was not just any city; it was the cradle of Western philosophy. Thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle had walked its streets centuries earlier. Consequently, the city prided itself on intellectual curiosity and debate. The Areopagus was the epicenter of this activity. It functioned as a council and court where serious matters, including religion and new teachings, were discussed.
Paul found a city full of idols and altars. However, he noticed one in particular dedicated to an unknown deity. This became his masterstroke. Instead of criticizing their polytheism, he commended their religious devotion. He then proposed to introduce them to this very God they worshipped without knowing. This approach immediately captured their attention. It showed respect for their culture while creating an opportunity to share his message. Paul demonstrated that effective communication often begins with finding common ground.
A Bridge Built from Their Own Words
Paul’s rhetorical genius shines brightest when he quotes their own writers. He says, “‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” This was a stunning move. He was not just speaking their language; he was using their own respected literature to make his point. This tactic validated his message within their cultural framework, making it harder to dismiss. Biblical Archaeology Review – …
Unpacking the Poetic Quotations
Scholars have identified the sources of these quotes. The first phrase, “in him we live and move and have our being,” is attributed to the Cretan philosopher Epimenides. The second phrase, “We are his offspring,” comes from a poem called Phainomena by the Cilician poet Aratus . By citing these figures, Biblical Archaeology Review – Paul’s Mar… established himself as an educated and credible speaker. He was not an ignorant foreigner but someone who understood their philosophical heritage. This strategy built a bridge of understanding between his worldview and theirs. Source
The Meaning of “Live and Move and Have Our Being”
The verse itself carries profound theological weight. It presents a radical view of God’s relationship with humanity. Let’s break down its three core components.
First, “in him we live” suggests that God is the source of all life. Our biological existence is not a random accident. Instead, it is a direct result of His creative power. Every breath we take is a gift from the Giver of life.
Second, “and move” refers to our dynamic existence. It encompasses our actions, our abilities, and our daily activities. This phrase implies that our power to act and interact with the world is sustained by God. Without Him, we would have no capacity for movement or change. Consequently, our every action happens within the sphere of His sustaining power.
Finally, “and have our being” points to our fundamental existence. It speaks to our very essence, consciousness, and identity. Paul in Athens: Understanding the Areopa… argues that our being is not self-contained. It is deeply and inextricably rooted in God. He is the ground of all reality, and our existence is contingent upon His.
From Common Ground to the Christian Proclamation
Paul masterfully used this shared understanding as a launchpad for the Gospel. After establishing that we are God’s offspring, he pivoted. He argued that if we are the offspring of such a great and imminent God, it is illogical to think He could be represented by idols made of gold, silver, or stone. This directly challenged the foundation of their idol worship using their own logic. Biblical Archaeological Review…
From there, he introduced the core tenets of Christianity. He spoke of a time of ignorance that God has overlooked. But now, he declared, God calls all people everywhere to repent. This repentance is necessary because a day of judgment is coming. The judge, Paul explained, is a man whom God appointed and validated by raising him from the dead. This introduction of Jesus and the resurrection was the sermon’s ultimate point.
A Mixed Response and Lasting Legacy
The audience’s reaction was divided. Some sneered at the idea of a resurrection. Others were intrigued and wanted to hear more from Paul later. A few, however, believed his message and joined him. This group notably included Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus itself, and a woman named Damaris. This outcome shows that even in a skeptical environment, a well-reasoned and respectful presentation of truth can bear fruit.
Today, Acts 17:28 continues to resonate deeply. It reminds us of our complete dependence on God for every aspect of our existence. Moreover, Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill provides a timeless model for cultural engagement. It teaches us to listen, find common ground, and build bridges of understanding. By doing so, we can communicate truth with both clarity and compassion in a world of diverse beliefs.