In him we live and move and have our being.
Paul's word to philosophers — even your existence depends on God.
The episode in a glance.
- 01'In him' — God is the atmosphere we breathe, not just a destination.
- 02'We live' — life itself is sustained by his power.
- 03'And move' — every step, every choice, every action.
- 04'And have our being' — identity and existence are gifts.
Read along.
Acts 17:28 — 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' Paul says this on Mars Hill in Athens, quoting one of their own poets to make a point about the Creator.
'In him.' Not near him. Not under him. In him. God is the medium in which human life exists, like fish in water. You don't visit God. You live inside his sustaining power every second.
'We live.' Every heartbeat. Every breath. Every synapse firing. All of it is held up by him. Not independently. Dependently. That's not weakness. That's reality.
'And move.' Every step you take. Every decision you make. Every word you speak. It all happens inside the sphere of his providence.
'And have our being.' Your existence, your identity, your 'is-ness' — it's all derived from him. You don't generate yourself. You're held. You're given. You're sustained. That's the foundation Paul wants the Athenians — and us — to build on.