Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really beautiful passage from Acts 17:28. It’s a fascinating and poetic way of saying God created everything! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Think of it like this: “For in him we live…” – This means that everything that exists – the world, all of creation – comes from God. It’s not just about the physical things around us; it’s about the very foundation of reality itself. “…and move, and have our being…” – This is a bit more figurative. “Move” means to exist, to be alive and active. "Have our being" means that we are part of God's creation, we are something. We aren’t just random accidents; we’re created with purpose. “As certain also of your own poets have said…” – This is the really striking part. It refers to ancient Greek philosophers and writers (like Plato) who believed that humans were created by God, and that God gave them the ability to think, reason, and create poetry. They thought humans had a divine spark and that their words reflected God’s creativity. So, they suggested that we are somehow part of God's creative process. “For we are also his offspring.” – This is the core of it all. It means that just like humans were created by God, we too have a connection to Him. We are not separate from God; we’re part of His design and creation. We inherit something from him. In short: The verse says that we are created by God and that our existence is rooted in His being. We're not just random things – we are a product of God’s plan and creation. It’s a really important concept for Christians because it emphasizes: God's Sovereignty: He is the ultimate creator. Our Relationship to Him: We are connected to Him in a fundamental way. Purpose and Meaning: We aren't just here by accident; we have a purpose given to us by God. Do you want me to explain any part of this further? For example, would you like to know more about the context of these ancient philosophers or how this verse relates to other biblical passages?