Not Far From Us

In Acts 17, as Paul speaks to the Greeks on Mars Hill (Areopagus), he tells them of the Great God of whom they are ignorant. He refers, on this occasion, to an altar he has seen that bears the inscription, “To An Unknown God.”

In the course of his speech to them he speaks of the “God who made the world and all things in it” and describes Him as a God who “does not dwell in temples made with hands” and informs them that this God is not “served by human hands.” The reason for this, Paul says is because this God does not need anything since He is the God who Himself “gives to all people life and breath and all things.” Then, as something they probably had not considered about their commonality with all other people on the earth (since they thought of themselves as superior to others), Paul says this God has “made from one man every nation of mankind” and has set the limitations on their existence. Because of this, Paul says, they (all men) should seek this God “if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him.”

If Paul had stopped his speech there his listeners would have been left in a state of confusion. However, Paul then tells them what is perhaps the most important -and novel - concept concerning this God. He says, “He is not far from each of us; for in Him we live and move and exist,…”

The gods on Mars Hill were close enough to touch since they were made of stone or other materials BUT the Greeks had no sense of their gods being close to them. Thus the ignorance of which Paul speaks.

Isn’t it great to realize that our God is not far from us. It may seem that way at times but then we begin to realize that if there is distance between myself and God, I’m probably the one who has moved.

Paul left the Greeks with another thought that really caused them to think. He says this God “has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness” and that judgment will come through a man who has died and risen from the dead. Quite a bombshell for these Greeks who preferred to rationalize everything from their intellect.

There were two reactions - some sneered, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.” What is your reaction? How about you? Are you seeking more about this God who is “not far from us?” Read His Book. You will find Him close.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony