1. Acts 14:17 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How has God given testimony regarding himself to the people of Lystra?

Acts 14:17 (ESV)

17 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.”

God’s witness and revelation of himself has been evident in his providence and creation. He has established seasons that provide a measure of order in this world instead of chaos. He also caused the sun to shine on all people (Matthew 5:45). This order should have prompted the people to worship the Creator only, but they failed to do so because of their sinful nature (see Romans 1:19–23). Paul argues that human beings should have reasoned from effect (order in creation) to cause (God who is Creator) (see Jeremiah 5:23–24).1