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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/17-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/44_Act_17_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 17:28 - Paul Before the Areopagus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For in Him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are His offspring.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/17-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/17-28.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 28</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/17-27.htm" title="Acts 17:27">◄</a> Acts 17:28 <a href="/acts/17-29.htm" title="Acts 17:29">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/17.htm">New International Version</a> For in him we live and move and have our being.&#8217 As some of your own poets have said, &#8216We are his offspring.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/acts/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ <a href="/esv/acts/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ <a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ <a href="/blb/acts/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For in Him we live and move and are.' As also some of the poets among you have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' <a href="/kjv/acts/17.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/acts/17.htm">New King James Version</a> for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ <a href="/nasb_/acts/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His descendants.’ <a href="/nasb/acts/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, &#8216For we also are His children.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/acts/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His offspring.’ <a href="/lsb/acts/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His offspring.’ <a href="/amp/acts/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For in Him we live and move and exist [that is, in Him we actually have our being], as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ <a href="/csb/acts/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For in him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’ <a href="/hcsb/acts/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, &#8216For we are also His offspring.&#8217 <a href="/asv/acts/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. <a href="/cev/acts/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and he gives us the power to live, to move, and to be who we are. "We are his children," just as some of your poets have said. <a href="/erv/acts/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. <a href="/gwt/acts/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Certainly, we live, move, and exist because of him. As some of your poets have said, 'We are God's children.' <a href="/gnt/acts/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> as someone has said, 'In him we live and move and exist.' It is as some of your poets have said, 'We too are his children.' <a href="/isv/acts/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> For we live, move, and exist because of him, as some of your own poets have said: '…Since we are his children, too.' <a href="/msb/acts/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?For in Him we live and move and have our being.? As some of your own poets have said, ?We are His offspring.? <a href="/net/acts/17.htm">NET Bible</a> For in him we live and move about and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we too are his offspring.' <a href="/nheb/acts/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 'For in him we live, and move, and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also his offspring.' <a href="/wbt/acts/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/acts/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For it is in closest union with Him that we live and move and have our being; as in fact some of the poets in repute among yourselves have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' <a href="/web/acts/17.htm">World English Bible</a> ‘For in him we live, move, and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for in Him we live, and move, and are; as certain of your poets have also said: For we are also His offspring. <a href="/blb/acts/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For in Him we live and move and are.' As also some of the poets among you have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' <a href="/ylt/acts/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for in Him we live, and move, and are; as also certain of your poets have said: For of Him also we are offspring. <a href="/slt/acts/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For in him we live, and move, and are; as certain of the composers among you have said, For we also are his race.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For in him we live, and move, and are; as some also of your own poets said: For we are also his offspring. <a href="/cpdv/acts/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> ‘For in him we live, and move, and exist.’ Just as some of your own poets have said. ‘For we are also of his family.’ <a href="/nabre/acts/17.htm">New American Bible</a> For ‘In him we live and move and have our being,’ as even some of your poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’ <a href="/nrsvce/acts/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as some of your own wise men have said, For we are his kindred. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/17.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “For it is by him that we have life and we move and exist; so also some of the wise men among you have said: “Our lineage is from him.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/17.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For in him we live, and move, and have our being: as also some of your own poets have said: For we his offspring are.<CM> <a href="/godbey/acts/17.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For in him we live and move and have our being, as indeed certain ones of your own poets have said, For we are truly his offspring. <a href="/haweis/acts/17.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> for from him we derive life, and power of motion, and existence; as also some of your own poets have said, ?For we are even his offspring.? <a href="/mace/acts/17.htm">Mace New Testament</a> are moved, and do exist: even as some of your own poets have said, WE ARE EVEN HIS OFFSPRING. <a href="/wey/acts/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For it is in closest union with Him that we live and move and have our being; as in fact some of the poets in repute among yourselves have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' <a href="/worrell/acts/17.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> for in Him we live, and move, and are; as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His offspring.' <a href="/worsley/acts/17.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For in Him we live and move, and exist; as some also of your own poets have said, "For we his offspring are." <a href="/parallel/acts/17-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=5849" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm">Paul Before the Areopagus</a> …27God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. 28<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">‘For</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: En (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him</a> <a href="/greek/2198.htm" title="2198: zōmen (V-PIA-1P) -- To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.">we live</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2795.htm" title="2795: kinoumetha (V-PIM/P-1P) -- To set in motion, move, remove, excite, stir up. From kio; to stir, literally or figuratively.">move</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: esmen (V-PIA-1P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">have our being.’</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">As</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tines (IPro-NMP) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">some</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kath’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">of your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">own</a> <a href="/greek/4163.htm" title="4163: poiētōn (N-GMP) -- (a) a maker, poet, (b) a doer, carrier out, performer. From poieo; a performer; specially, a poet.">poets</a> <a href="/greek/2046.htm" title="2046: eirēkasin (V-RIA-3P) -- Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.">have said,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">‘</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: esmen (V-PIA-1P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">We are</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">His</a> <a href="/greek/1085.htm" title="1085: genos (N-NNS) -- Offspring, family, race, nation, kind. From ginomai; kin.">offspring.’</a> 29Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/1-3.htm">John 1:3</a> Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16-17</a> For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a> The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. <a href="/romans/11-36.htm">Romans 11:36</a> For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-6.htm">1 Corinthians 8:6</a> yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist. <a href="/ephesians/4-6.htm">Ephesians 4:6</a> one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. <a href="/job/12-10.htm">Job 12:10</a> The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind. <a href="/psalms/36-9.htm">Psalm 36:9</a> For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. <a href="/isaiah/42-5.htm">Isaiah 42:5</a> This is what God the LORD says—He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it: <a href="/isaiah/45-18.htm">Isaiah 45:18</a> For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens—He is God; He formed the earth and fashioned it; He established it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited: “I am the LORD, and there is no other. <a href="/jeremiah/10-10.htm">Jeremiah 10:10</a> But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation. <a href="/daniel/5-23.htm">Daniel 5:23</a> Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways. <a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a> Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. <a href="/deuteronomy/30-20.htm">Deuteronomy 30:20</a> and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” <a href="/psalms/104-29.htm">Psalm 104:29-30</a> When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust. / When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.in him.<a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">1 Samuel 25:29</a> Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.<a href="/job/12-10.htm">Job 12:10</a> In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.<a href="/psalms/36-9.htm">Psalm 36:9</a> For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.as.<a href="/titus/1-12.htm">Titus 1:12</a> One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.we are.<a href="/luke/3-38.htm">Luke 3:38</a> Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.<a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Hebrews 12:9</a> Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/2-29.htm">Amongst</a> <a href="/acts/13-33.htm">Children</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-15.htm">Closest</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-17.htm">Exist</a> <a href="/acts/14-17.htm">Existence</a> <a href="/acts/13-34.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/john/19-18.htm">Him</a> <a href="/acts/17-27.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/acts/17-26.htm">Live</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-41.htm">Motion</a> <a href="/acts/7-4.htm">Move</a> <a href="/acts/13-23.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/numbers/21-27.htm">Poets</a> <a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Repute</a> <a href="/john/6-56.htm">Union</a> <a href="/john/19-37.htm">Verse</a> <a href="/acts/15-29.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/24-21.htm">Amongst</a> <a href="/acts/21-5.htm">Children</a> <a href="/ruth/2-20.htm">Closest</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Exist</a> <a href="/acts/23-8.htm">Existence</a> <a href="/acts/17-31.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/romans/11-36.htm">Him</a> <a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/acts/25-24.htm">Live</a> <a href="/psalms/46-3.htm">Motion</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Move</a> <a href="/acts/17-29.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/numbers/21-27.htm">Poets</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Repute</a> <a href="/romans/14-14.htm">Union</a> <a href="/exodus/6-3.htm">Verse</a> <a href="/acts/18-15.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 17</div>1. <a href="/acts/17-1.htm">Paul preaches at Thessalonica, where some believe,</a> 5. <a href="/acts/17-5.htm">and others persecute him.</a> 10. <a href="/acts/17-10.htm">He is sent to Berea, and preaches there.</a> 13. <a href="/acts/17-13.htm">Being persecuted by Jews from Thessalonica,</a> 16. <a href="/acts/17-16.htm">he comes to Athens, and disputes and preaches the living God, to them unknown;</a> 32. <a href="/acts/17-32.htm">whereby, though some mock, many are converted unto Christ.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and omnipresence of God, suggesting that all aspects of life are sustained by Him. The context is Paul's speech at the Areopagus in Athens, where he addresses a polytheistic audience. By using this phrase, Paul connects with his listeners by acknowledging a truth they can understand, while pointing them to the one true God. Theologically, this reflects the biblical teaching that God is the source of all life (<a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>) and sustains the universe (<a href="/colossians/1-17.htm">Colossians 1:17</a>). It echoes the idea that humanity is dependent on God for existence and purpose, aligning with the biblical narrative of creation and divine providence.As some of your own poets have said, Paul references Greek poets to build a bridge between his message and the cultural context of his audience. This approach demonstrates his awareness of Greek literature and philosophy, which was highly regarded in Athens, a city known for its intellectual pursuits. By quoting familiar sources, Paul gains credibility and engages his audience in a meaningful way. This method of contextualization is seen throughout Paul's ministry, as he adapts his message to different cultural settings without compromising the gospel (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22</a>).‘We are His offspring.’ This quote is attributed to the Greek poet Aratus, and possibly also Cleanthes, who wrote about Zeus. Paul repurposes this statement to reveal a deeper truth about the relationship between God and humanity. By affirming that humans are God's offspring, Paul underscores the biblical teaching that all people are created in the image of God (<a href="/genesis/1-27.htm">Genesis 1:27</a>) and have inherent value and dignity. This concept challenges the idolatry prevalent in Athens, as it implies a personal and relational God, rather than distant deities made of stone or metal. It also sets the stage for Paul's call to repentance and recognition of the true God, who desires a relationship with His creation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> A key figure in the early Christian church, Paul is the speaker in this passage. He is addressing the people of Athens at the Areopagus, a prominent rock outcropping in the city used for council meetings and philosophical discussions. 2. <a href="/topical/a/athens.htm">Athens</a> A city known for its rich history in philosophy and the arts. It was a center of learning and culture in the ancient world, home to many philosophers and thinkers. 3. <a href="/topical/a/areopagus.htm">Areopagus</a> The location where Paul delivers his speech. It was a place where matters of religion and philosophy were often discussed, making it a fitting setting for Paul's message about the one true God. 4. <a href="/topical/g/greek_poets.htm">Greek Poets</a> Paul references Greek poets to connect with his audience. This shows his awareness of their culture and his ability to use it to communicate the truth of the Gospel. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_unknown_god.htm">The Unknown God</a> Earlier in <a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm">Acts 17</a>, Paul refers to an altar dedicated to an "unknown god," which he uses as a starting point to introduce the Athenians to the God of the Bible.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_identity_in_christ.htm">Understanding Our Identity in Christ</a> Recognize that our true identity is found in being God's offspring. This understanding should shape how we view ourselves and others. <a href="/topical/e/engaging_culture_with_the_gospel.htm">Engaging Culture with the Gospel</a> Like Paul, we should be aware of the culture around us and find ways to connect it to the truth of the Gospel, using familiar concepts to introduce biblical truths. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god_for_life.htm">Dependence on God for Life</a> Acknowledge that our very existence—our life, movement, and being—is dependent on God. This should lead us to a posture of humility and gratitude. <a href="/topical/t/the_universality_of_god's_presence.htm">The Universality of God's Presence</a> God's presence is not confined to temples or specific locations. He is near to all who seek Him, as Paul explains to the Athenians. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_purpose.htm">Living with Purpose</a> Understanding that we live and move in God should inspire us to live purposefully, seeking to glorify Him in all aspects of our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 17</a> <a href="/q/do_we_exist_and_act_through_him.htm">Do we exist and act through Him?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_contextualization_mean.htm">What does contextualization mean?</a> <a href="/q/is_one_day_with_you_better_than_1000.htm">Do we exist and act through Him?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_excel_in_everything_we_do.htm">How can we pursue excellence in all we do?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) For in him we live, and move, and have our being.--Better, we live, and are moved, and are. Each of the verbs used has a definite philosophical significance. The first points to our animal life; the second--from which is derived the Greek word used by ethical writers for passions, such as fear, love, hate, and the like--not, as the English verb suggests, to man's power of bodily motion in space, but to our emotional nature; the third, to that which constitutes our true essential being, the intellect and will of man. What the words express is not merely the Omnipresence of the Deity; they tell us that the power for every act and sensation and thought comes from Him. They set forth what we may venture to call the true element of Pantheism, the sense of a "presence interposed," as in nature, "in the light of setting suns," so yet more in man. As a Latin poet had sung, whose works may have been known to the speaker, the hearers, and the historian:--"Deum namque ire per omnesTerras que tractusque maris, ccelumque profundum,Hinc pecudes, armenta, viros, genus omne ferarum,Quemque sibi tenues nascentem arcessere vitas,Scilicet hinc reddi deinde ac resoluta referri,Omnia; nec morti esse locum sed viva volareSideris in numerum atque alto succedere caelo."["God permeates all lands, all tracts of sea,And the vast heaven. From Him all flocks and herds,And men, and creatures wild, draw, each apart,Their subtle life. To Him they all return, . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 28. - Even for also, A.V. For in him, etc. This is the proof that we have not far to go to find God, Our very life and being, every movement we make as living persons, is a proof that God is near, nay, more than near, that he is with us and round about us, quickening us with his own life, upholding us by his own power, sustaining the being that we derive from him (comp. <a href="/psalms/139-7.htm">Psalm 139:7</a>, etc.; Psalms 23:4). Certain even of your own poets; viz. Arstus of Tarsus (), who has the exact words quoted by St. Paul, and Cleanthes of Asses (), who has Ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ γένος ἐσμέν. As he had just defended himself from the imputation of introducing foreign gods by referring to an Athenian altar, so now, for the same purpose, he quotes one of their own Greek poets. (For the statement that man is the offspring of God, comp. <a href="/luke/3-38.htm">Luke 3:38</a>.) <a href="/commentaries/acts/17-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>‘For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. in Ἐν (En) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Him αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. we live ζῶμεν (zōmen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2198.htm">Strong's 2198: </a> To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. move κινούμεθα (kinoumetha) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2795.htm">Strong's 2795: </a> To set in motion, move, remove, excite, stir up. From kio; to stir, literally or figuratively. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. have our being.’ ἐσμέν (esmen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. As ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. some τινες (tines) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. of your ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. [own] τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. poets ποιητῶν (poiētōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4163.htm">Strong's 4163: </a> (a) a maker, poet, (b) a doer, carrier out, performer. From poieo; a performer; specially, a 'poet'. have said, εἰρήκασιν (eirēkasin) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2046.htm">Strong's 2046: </a> Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. ‘We are ἐσμέν (esmen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [His] Τοῦ (Tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. offspring.’ γένος (genos) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1085.htm">Strong's 1085: </a> Offspring, family, race, nation, kind. From ginomai; 'kin'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/17-28.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 17:28 For in him we live and move (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/17-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 17:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 17:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/17-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 17:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 17:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>