The phrase “For we too are his offspring” mentioned by Paul in Acts 17:26 is actually a reference to a quote from a Greek poet named Aratus. Aratus was a Greek philosopher and poet who lived in the third century BC. He was known for his poem called “Phaenomena,” which was a work about astronomy and meteorology.
In this poem, Aratus wrote a line that says, “We are his offspring.” This line is often interpreted as referring to Zeus, the chief god in Greek mythology. It suggests that all human beings are the offspring of Zeus, meaning that we are all ultimately connected to the divine.
Paul, in his sermon to the Athenians, quotes this line from Aratus to make a point about the nature of God. He is using the poem as a way to connect with his audience who are familiar with Greek literature and philosophy. By quoting this line, Paul is trying to show that the God he is preaching about is not some distant and unknown deity, but rather the same God that the Athenians themselves have a concept of.
Paul goes on to explain that this God is the creator of the world and everything in it. He emphasizes that God is not confined to a temple or an idol, but rather is the source of life and existence for all people. By quoting Aratus, Paul is trying to bridge the gap between the Greek culture and his message of the Gospel.
It is interesting to note how Paul uses elements of the local culture and literature to engage with his audience. He is not dismissing their beliefs outright, but rather finding common ground and using it as a starting point to introduce his own beliefs. This approach is a great example of effective communication and cultural sensitivity.
The quote “For we too are his offspring” comes from a line in a poem by the Greek poet Aratus. Paul uses this quote in his sermon to the Athenians to connect with their culture and emphasize the commonality between their beliefs and the message he is preaching.