"...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." (Acts 17:28)
The Apostle Paul while here in Athens quotes two Greek poets. *
"In Him we live and move and have our being" is from the Cretan poet Epimenides (c.600 B.C.) in his "Cretica, and
"we are also His offspring" from the Cilician poet Aratus (c.315-240) in his Phaenomena, as well as from Cleanthes (331-233) in his Hymn to Zeus. I believe that Paul quoted these poets to make a point concerning God, that the Athenians did not personally know, but presumed the existence of, in the forming of an altar
"To An Unknown God"(Acts 17:23). Paul makes a point that we need to remember. God is Creator, Sustainer, Savior, Shepherd. Judge. All that we are, all that we have, and all that we look forward to, is found in our awesome God. Our God opens doors for us, to accomplish His purposes for our lives. We can do, what He says we can do. We are to live in the boundaries of His truth, and grace. When we act selfishly, and disobey His Word for our lives, we may think we are free, but in reality, we become enslaved to disappointment despair, and destruction. Is God "Unknown" to you? Do you have a relationship with Him, that will lead to freedom within His authority and care? You can! There is no better place to be! GP
Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 30 June 2014
Stock photo - Image ID: 100271719
www.freedigitalphotos.net * The NIV Study Bible - cf Acts 17:28
