New Testament
Acts 17:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
so that they would seek the Lord, if perhaps they might grope for him and find him — though he is not far from each one of us.
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That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
What Acts 17:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a beautiful invitation to seek a connection with God. It suggests that people are encouraged to look for Him, even if they feel uncertain or lost. The phrase 'grope for him' implies a sense of searching in the dark, trying to find something precious. The comforting truth is that God is not distant; He is close to each of us. This means that no matter where we are in life, we can reach out and discover Him. The verse reassures us that our efforts to find God are not in vain. He is always within reach, waiting for us to seek Him. This encourages us to take the first step in our spiritual journey, knowing that we are not alone. God desires a relationship with us, and He is eager to be found by those who earnestly seek Him. This is a reminder that our search for meaning and purpose can lead us to a fulfilling relationship with the divine, who is always near us, ready to be discovered and embraced in our lives.
How to apply Acts 17:27 to your life
Take a moment to reflect on your own search for meaning. Remember that God is always near, ready to be found. Don't hesitate to reach out in your moments of uncertainty, knowing that your efforts to connect with Him are valued and welcomed. Seek Him earnestly, and you will discover His presence in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Paul's story: To an Unknown God (Acts 17:16–34)
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Paul
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Acts 17:27
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
How can I 'grope for Him' as mentioned in this verse?
'Groping for Him' symbolizes a sincere and sometimes clumsy search for God, especially when feeling lost or uncertain. It means being open to exploring your faith, asking questions, and seeking guidance through prayer, scripture, or community. It's about making an effort to connect with God, even when the path seems unclear.
Why does the verse say God is 'not far from each one of us'?
This phrase reassures us that God is always close and accessible, regardless of our circumstances. It emphasizes that no matter how distant we may feel from Him, He is always within reach, waiting for us to seek Him. This closeness invites us to approach Him with confidence and hope.
What should I do if I feel distant from God?
If you feel distant from God, take time to reflect on your feelings and reach out to Him through prayer or meditation. Engage with scripture, join a community of believers, or seek spiritual guidance. Remember that God is always near and desires a relationship with you, so take steps to reconnect and seek His presence.
How does Acts 17:27 relate to my spiritual journey?
Acts 17:27 highlights the importance of actively seeking God as part of your spiritual journey. It encourages you to explore your faith, ask questions, and pursue a deeper understanding of your relationship with God. This verse reassures you that your search is meaningful and that God is eager to be found by those who earnestly seek Him.
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