John Calvin Commentary Acts 17:27

"that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us:" — Acts 17:27 (ASV)

That they might seek God. This sentence has two parts: namely, that it is humanity's duty to seek God, and secondly, that God himself comes forth to meet us and shows himself by such clear signs that we can have no excuse for our ignorance. Therefore, let us remember that those people wickedly abuse this life, and are unworthy to dwell upon earth, who do not direct their efforts to seek him, as if every kind of animal should abandon its natural inclination, which would rightly be called monstrous.

And, surely, nothing is more absurd than that people should be ignorant of their Author, who are endowed with understanding primarily for this purpose. We must especially note the goodness of God, because he so intimately makes himself known that even the blind may grope after him.

For this reason, the blindness of people is more shameful and intolerable, who, in such a clear and evident manifestation, are touched by no sense of God’s presence. Wherever they cast their eyes, upward or downward, they must inevitably encounter vivid and infinite images of God’s power, wisdom, and goodness.

For God has not obscurely shadowed his glory in the creation of the world, but has everywhere engraved such clear marks that even the blind may know them by groping. From this we gather that people are not only blind but obtuse, when, though aided by such excellent testimonies, they gain nothing.

Yet here a question arises, whether people can naturally attain the true and merciful knowledge of God. For Paul leads us to understand that their own sluggishness is the reason they cannot perceive God's presence; because, though they shut their eyes, they may still grope after him.

I answer that their ignorance and obtuseness are mixed with such perversity that, lacking right judgment, they overlook without understanding all such signs of God’s glory that appear clearly both in heaven and on earth. Indeed, seeing that the true knowledge of God is a unique gift from him, and faith (by which alone he is rightly known) comes only from the illumination of the Spirit, it follows that our minds cannot penetrate so far, having nature only for our guide.

Nor does Paul discuss here the ability of people, but he only shows that they are without excuse, when they are so blind in such clear light, as he says in the first chapter to the Romans (Romans 1:20). Therefore, though people's senses fail them in seeking out God, yet they have no cover for their fault, because, though he offers himself to be handled and groped, they continue, nevertheless, in a state of perplexity; regarding this matter we have spoken more in the fourteenth chapter (Acts 14:17).

Though he be not far from every one of us. So that he might more effectively expose the perversity of people, he says that God is not to be sought through many winding paths, nor do we need to make any long journey to find him, because everyone will find him in themselves, if they will only pay attention.

This experience convicts us that our dullness is not blameless, which we inherited from Adam's transgression. For though no corner of the world is void of the testimony of God’s glory, yet we do not need to go outside ourselves to take hold of him.

For he affects and moves every one of us inwardly with his power in such a way that our obtuseness is like a monstrosity, because in feeling him, we do not perceive him. In this regard, certain philosophers called humanity the little world, [a microcosm], because, above all other creatures, humanity is a sign of God’s glory, filled with infinite miracles.