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    God's Presence & Immanence

    Acts 17:28 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "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."
    — Acts 17:28 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Paul, preaching on Mars Hill, quoted Greek poets to declare: every moment of human existence depends on God. We don't just believe in God — we exist in God.

    Historical Context

    Paul was in Athens engaging Stoic and Epicurean philosophers. He met pagans where they were, using their own references to point them to the true God.

    Original Language Insights

    'In him' (en auto) — within God's sphere of existence.

    'Live' (zomen) — have life derived from and sustained by God.

    'Move' (kinoumetha) — every action occurs within God's sustaining power.

    'Have our being' (esmen) — our very essence depends on God.

    Theological Significance

    This teaches divine immanence — God's intimate, sustaining presence in all creation. God is not a distant clockmaker. All humans have some awareness of God because they exist 'in Him.'

    Practical Application

    Recognize God's presence in every moment. Use common ground for evangelism — meet people where they are. Marvel at your dependence on God for every breath.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Colossians 1:17

    "By him all things consist."

    Paul writes the same truth — Christ holds all things together.

    Psalm 139:7-10

    "Whither shall I go from thy spirit?"

    David described the same all-encompassing presence.

    Prayer Response

    God, in You I live, move, and have my being. Every breath is Your gift. Help me live with constant awareness that I exist IN You. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Paul teaching pantheism?

    No. God is IN everything but distinct FROM everything. He is Creator, not creation. The distinction is preserved.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Acts 17 verse by verse:

    Before · Acts 17:11Exact verse

    These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

    Theme: Scripture Study

    Nearest commentary in Acts

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Acts 16:30Nearest chapter

    And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

    Theme: Conviction & Salvation

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Acts 16:31Nearest chapter

    And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

    Theme: Salvation

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Acts 16:32Nearest chapter

    And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

    Theme: The Word & Household Salvation

    Later · 3 ch forward · Acts 20:34Nearest chapter

    Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

    Theme: Hands That Earned and Gave

    Later · 3 ch forward · Acts 20:35Nearest chapter

    I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

    Theme: Generosity

    Read Acts 16Commentary: Acts 16:30
    Read Acts 17 (full)Nearest commentary: Acts 17:11
    Read Acts 18No commentary yet
    Previous commentary: Acts 17:11Next commentary: Acts 20:34

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Is the Trinity?

    The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.

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    What Is the Tabernacle?

    The Tabernacle was the portable tent sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites during their wilderness journey and early settlement in Canaan.

    Read answer

    What Is the Ark of the Covenant?

    The Ark of the Covenant was a gold-covered wooden chest containing the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and manna — representing God's presence and covenant with Israel.

    Read answer

    Are Heaven and Hell Real Places?

    The Bible presents both heaven and hell as real, eternal destinations — heaven as God's presence and paradise, hell as separation from God and judgment.

    Read answer

    What Is the Holy of Holies?

    The Holy of Holies was the innermost room of the tabernacle and temple where God's presence dwelt above the Ark of the Covenant. Only the high priest could enter, once a year on the Day of Atonement.

    Read answer

    What Does Heaven Look Like According to the Bible?

    Revelation describes heaven as a place with streets of gold, gates of pearl, a crystal river, and the glorious presence of God Himself.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Acts 1:8 – Meaning & Devotional

    "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

    Acts 2:38 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

    Acts 2:38 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Resurrection
    New Testament

    Dorcas Raised from the Dead

    Peter prays in an upper room and Dorcas, a beloved disciple, is raised back to life.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    New Testament

    Earthquake Frees Paul and Silas in Philippi

    An earthquake shakes the prison at midnight as Paul and Silas sing, opening every door and loosing every chain.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    New Testament

    Pentecost — Tongues of Fire

    The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples with a rushing wind and cloven tongues of fire on the day of Pentecost.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    New Testament

    Peter Released from Prison by an Angel

    An angel of the Lord wakes Peter in prison, opens chains and gates, and leads him to freedom.

    Read the miracle

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