Acts 14:15-17
What is written? (ESV)
Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.
What does it say?
Why are you men doing these things? We are men just like you who are bringing you good news — that you should repent (turn toward God). He lives and made everything in the heavens, earth, and sea. While previously He left nations to their own devices, even then He provided a witness for Himself through the natural order of rain and harvest and its bounty.
What is its immediate context?
Paul, with Barnabas, is completing his first missionary journey throughout the region of Galatia (covering chapters 13-14).
How Acts 14:15-17 is applied across Bible answers
Do the “heavens and earth” equal the Law? (Preterist John Watson)
Paul uses the heaven, earth, and sea literally and collectively to bear witness to his statement about "a living God".
