Acts 14:17

Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness."

Study Bible

Yet He has not left Himself without testimony
This phrase underscores God's continuous revelation of Himself to humanity. The Greek word for "testimony" is "μαρτυρία" (martyria), which implies a witness or evidence. Historically, even before the written Scriptures, God provided evidence of His existence and character through creation. This aligns with Romans 1:20, where Paul speaks of God's invisible qualities being understood from what has been made. The testimony here is not just verbal but is seen in the natural order and beauty of the world, which points to a Creator.

to His goodness
The Greek word for "goodness" is "ἀγαθωσύνη" (agathōsynē), which refers to intrinsic goodness, kindness, and benevolence. This highlights God's nature as inherently good and generous. In a historical context, this goodness is evident in the provision and sustenance of life. Theologically, it reflects the character of God as described throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the LORD is good."

He gives you rain from heaven
Rain is a symbol of God's provision and blessing. The Greek word for "rain" is "ὑετός" (hyetos), which is often associated with divine favor in the agrarian societies of biblical times. Archaeologically, evidence from ancient Near Eastern cultures shows that rain was crucial for survival and was often attributed to the favor of deities. In the biblical narrative, rain is a sign of God's covenant faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 11:14, where God promises rain for obedience.

and fruitful seasons
The phrase "fruitful seasons" speaks to the cycles of planting and harvest, which are essential for sustaining life. The Greek word for "seasons" is "καιροί" (kairoi), indicating appointed times or opportunities. This reflects the order and predictability God has established in creation. Historically, the regularity of seasons was vital for ancient agricultural societies, and it demonstrated God's ongoing care and provision.

filling your hearts with food and gladness
This phrase emphasizes the satisfaction and joy that come from God's provision. The Greek word for "filling" is "ἐμπιπλάνω" (empiplanō), meaning to fill or satisfy completely. "Food" (τροφῆς, trophēs) and "gladness" (εὐφροσύνης, euphrosynēs) together suggest not just physical sustenance but also emotional and spiritual well-being. Scripturally, this reflects the abundant life Jesus speaks of in John 10:10. Historically, the provision of food was a direct sign of divine blessing, and gladness was a natural response to experiencing God's goodness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul and Barnabas
The apostles who are speaking to the people in Lystra, a city in the region of Lycaonia, during their first missionary journey.

2. Lystra
A city in the Roman province of Galatia where Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel and performed miracles.

3. Gentiles
The primary audience in Lystra, who were largely unfamiliar with the Jewish Scriptures and needed to understand God's revelation through nature and providence.

Teaching Points

God's General Revelation
God reveals Himself not only through Scripture but also through His creation. The natural world is a testament to His existence and goodness.

Providence and Provision
God's provision of rain and fruitful seasons is a demonstration of His care for all humanity, showing His desire for our well-being and joy.

Common Grace
The concept of common grace is evident as God provides for all people, regardless of their faith, showing His love and mercy.

Gratitude and Worship
Recognizing God's provision should lead us to gratitude and worship, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness in our lives.

Evangelism and Witness
Like Paul and Barnabas, we can use the evidence of God's goodness in creation as a starting point for sharing the gospel with those unfamiliar with Scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Acts 14:17 help us understand the concept of God's general revelation to humanity?

2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our daily lives, and how should this impact our attitude towards Him?

3. How can the idea of common grace be used to engage in conversations about faith with non-believers?

4. What are some practical ways we can express gratitude for God's provision in our lives?

5. How do the teachings in Acts 14:17 connect with other scriptures that speak about God's revelation through nature?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Romans 1:20
This verse speaks about God's invisible qualities being clearly seen through creation, similar to how Acts 14:17 describes God's testimony through nature.

Psalm 19:1-4
The psalmist declares that the heavens proclaim the glory of God, paralleling the idea that God reveals Himself through the natural world.

James 1:17
This verse emphasizes that every good and perfect gift is from above, aligning with the idea of God providing rain and fruitful seasons.

Matthew 5:45
Jesus teaches that God causes the sun to rise and rain to fall on both the righteous and the unrighteous, illustrating God's impartial goodness.