The verse “in Him we live and move and have our being” comes from Acts 17:28, where Paul is speaking to the Athenians about the true God. This powerful statement provides deep insight into our relationship with God and our dependence on Him.
The Context of Acts 17:16-34
To fully understand the meaning of this verse, it’s important to look at the broader context of Paul’s speech to the Athenians in Acts 17:16-34. Paul was distressed to find the city of Athens full of idols, so he began proclaiming the gospel in the synagogue and marketplace (vv. 16-17). He encountered Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, who brought him to the Areopagus to explain this new teaching (vv. 18-21).
Paul took this opportunity to present the truth about God to these Greek thinkers. He started by drawing their attention to an altar “to an unknown god” (v. 23). Paul stated that this unknown God is the true living God who made the world and everything in it (vv. 24-26). As the Creator, God cannot be confined to man-made temples, since He gives life and breath to all people (v. 25). From one man, God made every nation, determining their appointed times and boundaries (v. 26).
Paul then proclaimed that God is not far from each one of us. As evidence, he cited the quote “in Him we live and move and have our being” (v. 28). Paul urged his listeners to turn from their idols to the one true living God, who will judge the world through Jesus Christ (vv. 29-31).
The Meaning of “In Him We Live and Move and Have Our Being”
When Paul declares “in Him we live and move and have our being,” he is making a profound statement about God’s relationship to us as Creator and Sustainer.
First, to say we “live” in God means He gives us life itself. Our very existence comes from Him (see Deut. 30:20; Job 12:10). As the source of life, God actively sustains each person’s life every moment. “In Him we live” points to our constant dependence on God for existence itself.
Second, the phrase “in Him we move” conveys God as the source of all motion and activity. He gives us the ability to move, to do things, to work and carry out our business. Without the energizing power of God, we could not even lift a finger. The Greek term for “move” here denotes not just physical motion but any sort of function or activity. As creatures, we rely fully on the divine power to accomplish anything.
Third, “in Him we have our being” refers again to existence itself. God is the ground and sustainer of our very being. The literal Greek conveys the idea that “we are in Him.” Our whole existence originates from and depends fully on God. He actively sustains us moment by moment.
In summary, this powerful phrase teaches that God is absolutely sovereign over life and creation. We are completely dependent on Him for our lives, our motions, our activities, our existence. He is intimately involved at every moment in granting us being, breath, movement, purpose and meaning. We cannot live independently of God for even an instant.
Old Testament Background
Many scholars believe Paul is loosely quoting from the Cretan poet Epimenides in this verse. But the concepts of God as life-giver and sustainer derive originally from the Old Testament.
For example, in the Law, God warns that disobedience will lead to perishing, because He alone is the source of life and blessing (Deut. 30:15-20). Moses teaches that God “is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath” (Josh. 2:11). The Lord gives life and takes it away (1 Sam. 2:6). He sustains all creatures (Psalm 36:6; Neh. 9:6). Every breath and every action depends completely on God’s energizing power (Isa. 57:16; Dan. 5:23).
Paul also uses language reminiscent of the Greek poet Aratus, who said all men are “the offspring of Zeus.” Even pagan philosophers realized the truth that we derive our existence from God. Paul proclaims the living God who gives all men life, breath, and everything.
Implications of Our Dependence on God
Recognizing that we constantly depend on God for existence, energy, activity, and meaning carries profound implications:
1. We should seek an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He gives us being itself! It is foolish and arrogant to try to live independently from our source of life.
2. We should live in reverent fear of God, knowing He sustains us each moment. Our lives are completely in His hands.
3. We should follow Paul’s urging and turn from false idols and philosophies that keep us from recognizing our dependence on God.
4. We can take courage that God will sustain us no matter what hardships we face in life. As we rely on Him, He will strengthen and uphold us.
5. We should pray constantly, acknowledging our dependence on God for everything in life. Our abilities, energy, and opportunities all flow from Him.
6. We should praise and thank God continually for His grace in granting us existence, salvation, and all good things.
7. We should aim to use our time, abilities, and resources well for God’s purposes, since He is the giver of all we have.
May the truth that “in Him we live and move and have our being” give us a God-centered perspective on all of life. We exist for Him.
The Meaning for Our Identity and Purpose
Recognizing our dependence on God also gives us a right understanding of human identity and purpose. If God grants us very existence, then the true meaning of our lives must derive from Him. Many implications arise:
We Are Not Autonomous
Our popular culture exalts the ideas of individual autonomy, self-determination, and finding your own truth. But Scripture teaches that we are completely dependent on God. We cannot define truth, purpose, or morality for ourselves. We must find identity and meaning in relationship to our Creator.
We Are Responsible to Serve God’s Purposes
Since God authors our lives, we are accountable to Him for how we live. Our gifts, time, abilities should be devoted to serving Him out of gratitude. He will one day judge each person’s deeds (Acts 17:30-31).
We Have Dignity as God’s Image-Bearers
Even though God is self-sufficient, He chose to create us for relationship with Him. All human life has immeasurable worth because we bear His image. He values each person enough to send Jesus to redeem us.
We Find Purpose in Living for God’s Glory
Our meaning in life is not defined by worldly measures of fame, achievement, or pleasure. Rather, we exist to exalt the God who made us and to enjoy relationship with Him forever. This eternal perspective brings true purpose and satisfaction.
We Are Called to Steward God’s Gifts
Since God is the giver of every good thing (James 1:17), we are managers and stewards of all He entrusts to us, not owners. We should use our abilities, resources, and opportunities all for His purposes.
May this truth orient us to God-centered identity and purpose. We only truly “live and move and have our being” when we find our meaning in Jesus Christ.
How This Truth Corrected the Athenians’ Worldview
Paul’s quote of “in Him we live and move and have our being” challenged the Athenians’ entire worldview and system of ethics. Greek philosophy exalted the mind, reason, and intellect of man. It encouraged people to pursue truth through human thinking alone. Even the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began with human reason as the path to truth and virtue.
By proclaiming that God actively sustains all men everywhere, Paul confronts the Athenians’ dependence on their own faulty thinking. Their sophisticated philosophies cannot explain the origins of life or provide purpose and ethics. Why? Because human reason is limited and flawed without input from divine revelation.
Paul urges the Athenians to recognize their dependence on the one true living God, not their own wisdom. Ultimate truth is found in Christ, not human philosophies (Col. 2:8). This remains a critical message in our modern age. Apart from God’s truth, the smartest of thinkers end up embracing falsehood and damaging philosophies. We must build our lives on Scripture, not the shifting sands of human ideas.
Application for Evangelism and Apologetics
Paul’s example in Athens models how we can engage non-believers in our pluralistic culture. By proclaiming creation truth, Paul finds common ground to introduce the gospel. All people share the experience of existing in God’s world, even if they don’t acknowledge Him. When we highlight our universal dependence on our Creator, we present an argument no one can escape from. This approach of pointing to the evidence in creation and conscience makes the unbeliever accountable before God (Rom. 1:19-20).
We can likewise appeal to the common human experience of being created and sustained by a higher power. Starting here gives us a foothold to call people to repent and trust in Christ. God as absolute life-giver confronts the self-sufficiency and independence that keeps many from the gospel. His sovereignty over all people provides opportunities to guide conversations toward the truth of Scripture.
Paul also adapts his message to the Athenians’ philosophical beliefs but then challenges flawed thinking with truth (see vv. 22-29). In our context, we must understand where people are coming from but stay grounded in God’s Word. As we talk about God’s intimate role as life-sustainer, we can gently expose the irrationality of naturalism, atheism, and humanism.
When sharing our faith, we can follow Paul’s example of contextualizing biblical truth while confronting unbiblical perspectives. The reality that we all live and move and have our being in God provides a powerful starting point.
Practical Applications in the Life of the Believer
How should the truth that “in Him we live and move and have our being” impact our lives each day as followers of Christ? This profound statement about God’s intimate sustaining role carries many practical applications:
1. It should make us acutely aware of our dependence on God for each breath, each heartbeat, each moment of existence. This deepens our awe, gratitude, and worship.
2. It should prompt us to pray continually about all aspects of our lives. We need God’s strength for everything.
3. It should fill us with courage and faith in God’s provision (Phil. 4:19). If He sustains our very lives, He will care for every need.
4. It should move us to use all our energy serving God, the giver of life and ability (1 Cor. 6:20). Our activities take on eternal value when done for Him.
5. It should give us purpose and meaning, since we exist for God’s glory. Even mundane tasks gain significance in light of this.
6. It should cause us to constantly give thanks to God (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Our lives are permeated with His grace.
7. It should stir us to share the gospel, knowing God can open hearts and sustain the lives of new believers.
8. It should inspire excellent work and creativity, using the talents God provides to serve Him and others.
9. It should fill us with joy and contentment. With God as our life-sustainer, we can flourish in every circumstance (Phil. 4:11-13).
10. It should free us from fear and anxiety. Our loving Creator cares for us deeply as His children.
May this amazing truth saturate all aspects of our walk with Christ. We live and move and exist for His purposes and glory.
God’s Sovereignty in Salvation
Paul’s message in Athens also highlights God’s sovereignty over salvation. The living God determines the appointed times and boundaries for all nations (Acts 17:26). And He commands all people everywhere to repent, because Christ will judge the world (vv.30-31). Yet only some respond in faith while others scoff.
This shows that salvation depends fully on God, not human will or effort. Unless the Lord opens eyes and hearts, all would continue in rebellion (Rom. 3:10-12). Scripture states clearly that God chooses and calls believers to Himself (John 6:44; Eph. 2:8-10). While humanly incomprehensible, this absolute divine sovereignty brings Him utmost glory.
And we can take great comfort that our security in Christ does not depend on us. The God who actively sustains our lives works all things for the good of those who love Him (Rom. 8:28-30). None can snatch His sheep from the Father’s hand (John 10:28-29). He will complete the work of salvation that He alone began (Phil. 1:6).
Praise God that our lives exist securely in the hands of the Almighty Savior. This eternal assurance gives hope, meaning, and fuel for worship.
Conclusion
The declaration that “in Him we live and move and have our being” provides a profound perspective on human life. As the uncreated Creator, God gives us very existence. We rely fully and dependently on Him for life, breath, energy, purpose, meaning, salvation, and everything good. Recognizing this truth confronts our pride and self-sufficiency. It instills right understanding of our identity and leads us to fulfill our purpose in serving Christ. This God-centered worldview transforms how we view all of life. May we live more fully to His glory as we grow in understanding what it means that in Him we live and move and have our being.