Exploring Acts 17:26 and the Unity of Humanity
Where did the idea come from that one race—specifically whites—is somehow more superior than another? When we look at the core teachings of Christianity, this notion doesn’t line up with what God has revealed about humanity. In fact, the Bible tells us a much different story about our origins and our equality.
Scriptural Foundation: All from One
Lets take a look at Acts 17:26:
“From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.” (New Living Translation)
Acts 17:26 lays a clear foundation: “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands” (NIV). This means that every nation and ethnic group comes from a single ancestor, traditionally understood as Adam. God’s intention was for humanity to spread across the earth, living in different places and at different times, but always sharing a common origin.
Unity of Humanity
The phrase “from one man” or “from one blood” (as some translations say) is a powerful reminder. It tells us that all people, no matter their skin color, background, or language, share the same roots. Our differences are not evidence of separate creations or varying worth, but rather the result of adaptation and God’s diverse design. This directly challenges any belief that one race is inherently superior to another.
Divine Purpose and Equality
Acts 17:26 also emphasizes that God has set the times and places where people would live. He is the ultimate designer of history, not leaving anything to chance. The purpose behind this arrangement is so that everyone, regardless of nation or ethnicity, would seek God. There’s no mention of one group being above another; instead, there’s a call to unity and mutual respect.
Historical Context and Misconceptions
Unfortunately, history is filled with examples where people twisted religious or cultural ideas to justify treating others as inferior. But when we return to the heart of the biblical message—especially passages like Acts 17:26—we see that God’s plan never included racial superiority. The Apostle Paul shared this truth in Athens, a city filled with people proud of their heritage and culture, to show that all are equal before God. The Greeks, like many cultures, believed in their own uniqueness, but Paul’s message was radical: we are all brethren, all descended from the same family.
Lessons from Acts 17:26
· Common Origin: Everyone is part of the same human family, no matter how different we may appear on the outside.
· No Basis for Superiority: No nation or individual can claim to be “better” or more deserving based on their ancestry or skin color.
· God’s Sovereignty: God chose where and when people would live, not so some could dominate others, but so all could seek Him.
· Condemnation of Oppression: The passage refutes the idea that any group has the right to enslave or oppress another because of differences.
· Purposeful Diversity: Our differences are part of God’s plan, not a reason for division or hierarchy.
In Simple Terms
If anyone claims that one race is better than another, they’re not getting that idea from God or the Bible. Instead, they’re ignoring the clear teaching that we all come from the same source and are equally valued in God’s eyes. Skin color, language, or culture might shape our experiences, but they don’t make anyone superior or inferior.
So, when we reflect on where the thought of racial superiority comes from, we see it’s a product of human pride, ignorance, and history—not of divine truth. Acts 17:26 reminds us that God created us as one family, meant to live together in harmony, seeking Him and respecting each other’s place in the world. The real challenge is to live out this unity every day, seeing every person as a fellow image-bearer of God.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 