He is not far.
Acts 17:22-34 NKJV
(Addressing the Areopagus)
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious;
23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:
TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.
Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:
24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
25 Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.
26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,
27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
28 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.’
29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising.
30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,
31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.”
33 So Paul departed from among them.
34 However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. #Godisgood #bibleverse #scripture #faith
The passage from Acts 17:22-34, particularly verses 27 and 28, holds such profound meaning for me, and I wanted to share a bit more about why it resonates so deeply. When Paul stood before the philosophers on Mars Hill, he wasn't just quoting scripture; he was bridging a massive cultural and spiritual gap. They had an altar to an 'UNKNOWN GOD,' and Paul seized that opportunity to reveal the true God who created everything and gives life to all. This context makes the message of Acts 17 nkjv even more powerful for us today. What truly strikes me is his declaration in Acts 17:27: '...so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.' This isn't some distant, unapproachable deity. This is a God who is intimately close, always present. It's a comforting thought, especially on days when I might feel lost or disconnected. It helps me remember that even when I'm struggling to perceive Him, He's right there. The OCR text beautifully highlights this, speaking of 'seeking the Lord and His closeness,' an image that brings peace to my heart, much like that serene forest path. For me, 'grope for Him and find Him' isn't about blind searching in the dark; it's about an earnest desire and intentional effort to connect. It means taking time for quiet reflection, reading His word, or simply talking to Him in prayer, even when the words don't come easily. It's in these moments that I often feel His nearness most powerfully. It's a reminder that my spiritual journey isn't a solitary one; God is actively involved and desires to be found. I've personally found that even small acts, like focusing on gratitude or offering a quick prayer during my day, can make a huge difference in feeling His presence. And then, verse 28, '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.’’ This changes everything! It means our existence is tied to Him, and we bear His imprint. We aren't just creations; we are His children. This understanding brings such a sense of belonging and purpose. If we are truly His offspring, then seeking Him isn't just a religious duty, but a natural longing, like a child seeks their parent. The emphasis on 'For we are also His offspring' from the OCR text truly underscores this beautiful connection. So, if you've ever felt that God is far away, or if you've been curious about the profound message in Acts 17:27-28 NKJV, I encourage you to ponder these verses. Allow them to challenge your perceptions and invite you into a deeper relationship. He genuinely is not far from any one of us, and recognizing that truth can transform how we walk through each day. It’s a profound assurance that we are never truly alone, and He is always accessible, waiting for us to reach out.
