In his speech on Mars Hill, Paul declares in Acts 17:26-27, "He makes out of one every nation of mankind, to be dwelling on all the surface of the earth, specifying the setting of the seasons and the bounds of their dwelling, for them to be seeking God, if, consequently, they may surely grope for Him and may be finding Him."

Strange to see the word "surely" next to the word "grope." Groping suggests a vague looking for God—how can someone grope "surely"?

God WANTS humanity to grope for Him, for there is value in the struggle. Apparently, trial and error is to be preferred over a lightening-fast revelation such as Paul received as Saul on the road to Damascus. We see this truth in nature, as I will explain.

Additionally, Paul quotes not a single Scripture—and why should he when his audience has never heard of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Rather, Paul quotes their poets. Interesting that a Greek poet can plumb the depths of God more than, say, a modern-day Christian—or even an Israel-type.

And here are the poets Paul referenced—yep, we know who they were.