Meaning: The quote is from Lactantius, an early Christian author and apologist who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. The quote is taken from his work "The Divine Institutes," in which he defends and explains Christian beliefs. In this particular quote, Lactantius is discussing the concept of monotheism, the belief in one God, and refuting the idea of polytheism, the belief in multiple gods.

Lactantius begins by affirming the oneness of God, stating that if something possesses such great power, it cannot be anything other than one. This assertion reflects the fundamental monotheistic belief in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Lactantius emphasizes the unity and singularity of God, indicating that the concept of a single all-powerful deity is logically necessary and coherent.

The quote also references the belief in many gods held by some people, suggesting that they justify this belief by claiming that the gods have divided their functions among themselves. This alludes to the polytheistic belief systems found in various ancient cultures, where different gods were responsible for different aspects of life, such as fertility, war, wisdom, and so on. Lactantius appears to be addressing and challenging these polytheistic beliefs, indicating that he intends to discuss and refute them in more detail at a later point in his work.

Lactantius' stance reflects the broader theological and philosophical debates of his time, as well as the ongoing conflict between monotheistic Christianity and the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in the Roman Empire. His arguments are rooted in the early Christian efforts to assert the uniqueness and supremacy of the Christian God in the face of competing religious traditions.

The quote also highlights Lactantius' methodical approach to addressing theological and philosophical concepts. He indicates that he will thoroughly discuss and analyze the various arguments for and against the existence of multiple gods in their proper context. This suggests that Lactantius aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic defense of monotheism, engaging with the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in the ancient world.

Overall, Lactantius' quote encapsulates his commitment to promoting the Christian conception of God as the one and only, while also acknowledging the existence of alternative beliefs and outlining his intention to address them in a structured manner. It reflects the broader theological and philosophical milieu of the early Christian era and the intellectual challenges faced by Christian thinkers in articulating and defending their faith. Lactantius' work continues to be studied and appreciated for its contributions to early Christian theology and apologetics.