King James Version

What Does Acts 14:17 Mean?

Acts 14:17 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful season... — study this verse from Acts chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Acts 14:17 · KJV


Context

15

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein :

16

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

17

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

18

And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

19

And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He left not himself without witness (οὐκ ἀμάρτυρον αὑτὸν ἀφῆκεν)—Despite nations walking in their own ways, God provided general revelation through creation. The rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons (ὑετοὺς...καιροὺς καρποφόρους) demonstrate providential care, echoing Psalm 145:15-16 and anticipating Romans 1:20's testimony of creation. The Greek agathourgeō (doing good) describes God's beneficent character revealed through common grace.

Filling our hearts with food and gladness (ἐμπιπλῶν τροφῆς καὶ εὐφροσύνης) appeals to universal human experience—everyone has tasted God's goodness, whether acknowledged or not. This natural theology provides evangelistic common ground without compromising special revelation's necessity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's appeal to creation's witness suited a pagan agricultural audience in Lystra. Unlike his synagogue sermons grounded in Old Testament, this speech employs natural theology, pioneering the church's later engagement with pagan philosophy while maintaining gospel distinctives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does creation's witness to God provide evangelistic starting points with those outside biblical tradition?
  2. In what ways have you seen God's 'doing good' prepare hearts for gospel reception?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοι2 of 22

Nevertheless

G2544

and yet indeed, i.e., although really

γε3 of 22
G1065

doubtless, since

οὐκ4 of 22

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀμάρτυρον5 of 22

without witness

G267

unattested

ἑαυτὸν6 of 22

himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἀφῆκεν7 of 22

he left

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

ἀγαθοποιῶν,8 of 22

in that he did good

G15

to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)

οὐρανόθεν9 of 22

from heaven

G3771

from the sky

ἡμῖν10 of 22

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ὑετοὺς11 of 22

rain

G5205

rain, especially a shower

διδοὺς12 of 22

and gave

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

καὶ13 of 22

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καιροὺς14 of 22

seasons

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

καρποφόρους15 of 22

fruitful

G2593

fruitbearing (figuratively)

ἐμπιπλῶν16 of 22

filling

G1705

to fill in (up), i.e., (by implication) to satisfy (literally or figuratively)

τροφῆς17 of 22

with food

G5160

nourishment (literally or figuratively); by implication, rations (wages)

καὶ18 of 22

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὐφροσύνης19 of 22

gladness

G2167

joyfulness

τὰς20 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καρδίας21 of 22

hearts

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

ἡμῶν22 of 22

our

G2257

of (or from) us


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 14:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 14:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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