What does "from one man" in Acts 17:26 reveal about human unity? Setting the Verse in Context Acts 17 records Paul’s address to the philosophers in Athens. He bridges from their altar “To an unknown god” to the living God who “made the world and everything in it” (v. 24). In verse 26 he says, “From one man He made every nation of men to inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” Key Phrase: “From One Man” • “One man” points explicitly to a single historical ancestor—Adam (cf. Genesis 2:7; 3:20). • Paul affirms that every ethnic group, language, and culture descends from that one real individual. • Human unity is not philosophical or sociological only; it is rooted in God’s literal creative act. Five Truths About Human Unity 1. Shared Origin – We all trace our family line to Adam. No group is more “original” or “pure” than another. 2. Equal Dignity – Being formed “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:26-27) applies to every descendant of Adam. No person lacks that God-given worth. 3. Universal Sinfulness – “Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin” (Romans 5:12). Our common ancestor ties us to the same fallen condition. 4. Universal Need and Offer of Salvation – “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). The Gospel speaks to everyone because everyone shares the same problem and can receive the same solution. 5. God-Ordained Diversity – Nations, languages, and borders were “determined” by God (Acts 17:26b). Diversity is not accidental; it showcases His wisdom and sovereignty while maintaining our unity in origin. Connecting Scriptures • Genesis 11:9—dispersion at Babel explains present linguistic diversity without denying common ancestry. • Malachi 2:10—“Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us?” • Galatians 3:28—“There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” • Ephesians 4:4-6—“one body and one Spirit… one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Practical Implications for Today • Reject racism, classism, and all forms of partiality; they contradict our shared lineage (James 2:1-9). • Value every human life—from the unborn to the elderly—as bearing the divine image. • Engage in missions and evangelism confidently, knowing every culture is within God’s saving plan. • Celebrate cultural variety as God-designed, yet pursue spiritual unity in Christ. • Stand for justice and mercy, recognizing we are dealing with fellow family members of the human race. Closing Thoughts “From one man” is more than a historical footnote; it is God’s declaration that humanity is one family. Our deepest divisions can be healed because our deepest identity is shared—created by God, fallen in Adam, and redeemable in Christ. |
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