Acts 9:31

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then the Messianic community throughout Y’hudah, the Galil and Shomron enjoyed peace and was built up. They lived in the fear of the Lord, with the counsel of the Ruach HaKodesh; and their numbers kept multiplying.

Berean Standard Bible:

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version:

So the church throughout all Judæa and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then^{{G3303}{G3767}} had^{G2192} the churches^{G1577} rest^{G1515} throughout^{G2596} all^{G3650} Judaea^{G2449} and^{G2532} Galilee^{G1056} and^{G2532} Samaria^{G4540}, and were edified^{G3618}; and^{G2532} walking in^{G4198} the fear^{G5401} of the Lord^{G2962}, and^{G2532} in the comfort^{G3874} of the Holy^{G40} Ghost^{G4151}, were multiplied^{G4129}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Acts 9:31

Acts 9:31 is a verse that captures a period of peace and growth for the early Christian churches following a time of intense persecution. The historical context of this verse is set in the aftermath of significant events, including the conversion of Saul (later known as Paul) on the road to Damascus, which is described earlier in Acts 9. Saul, once a fierce persecutor of Christians, becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, which has a profound impact on the early Church.

The verse highlights several key themes:

1. **Rest and Peace**: The churches in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria are experiencing a time of peace, which is significant given the recent hostilities they faced. This respite allows the believers to worship and live out their faith without the imminent threat of persecution.

2. **Edification and Growth**: The term "edified" refers to the process of building up or strengthening. This indicates that the churches are not only at rest but are also growing in faith and number. The community of believers is being fortified spiritually and is maturing in their understanding and practice of their new faith.

3. **Fear of the Lord**: The phrase "walking in the fear of the Lord" suggests that the Christians are living their lives with a reverent awe and respect for God. This fear is not one of terror but of deep respect for God's power, holiness, and authority, which guides their conduct and decisions.

4. **Comfort of the Holy Spirit**: The early Christians are also described as being comforted by the Holy Spirit. This comfort is a source of encouragement and strength, providing them with the assurance of God's presence and support amidst their challenges.

5. **Multiplication**: The result of this period of peace, edification, reverence, and comfort is the multiplication of believers. The Church is growing numerically as more people are drawn to the faith, likely due to the compelling witness of the existing believers who are living out their faith in tangible ways.

In summary, Acts 9:31 encapsulates a season of flourishing for the early Christian churches in the regions of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. This flourishing is characterized by a period of peace, spiritual growth, reverent living, the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit, and an increase in the number of believers, setting the stage for the further expansion of Christianity as chronicled in the Acts of the Apostles.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G3303
   There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μέν
   Transliteration: mén
   Pronunciation: men
   Description: a primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with δέ (this one, the former, etc.):--even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily. Often compounded with other particles in an intensive or asseverative sense.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3767
   There are 519 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὖν
   Transliteration: oûn
   Pronunciation: oon
   Description: apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2192
   There are 628 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔχω
   Transliteration: échō
   Pronunciation: skheh'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1577
   There are 115 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐκκλησία
   Transliteration: ekklēsía
   Pronunciation: ek-klay-see'-ah
   Description: from a compound of ἐκ and a derivative of καλέω; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):--assembly, church.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1515
   There are 86 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰρήνη
   Transliteration: eirḗnē
   Pronunciation: i-ray'-nay
   Description: probably from a primary verb (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:--one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.
   
6. Strong's Number: G2596
   There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κατά
   Transliteration: katá
   Pronunciation: kat-ah'
   Description: a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3650
   There are 99 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὅλος
   Transliteration: hólos
   Pronunciation: hol'-os
   Description: a primary word; "whole" or "all", i.e. complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb:--all, altogether, every whit, + throughout, whole.
   
8. Strong's Number: G2449
   There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἰουδαία
   Transliteration: Ioudaía
   Pronunciation: ee-oo-dah'-yah
   Description: feminine of Ἰουδαῖος (with γῆ implied); the Judæan land (i.e. Judæa), a region of Palestine:--Judæa.
   
9. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
10. Strong's Number: G1056
    There are 62 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Γαλιλαία
    Transliteration: Galilaía
    Pronunciation: gal-il-ah'-yah
    Description: of Hebrew origin (גָּלִיל); Galilæa (i.e. the heathen circle), a region of Palestine:--Galilee.
    
11. Strong's Number: G4540
    There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Σαμάρεια
    Transliteration: Samáreia
    Pronunciation: sam-ar'-i-ah
    Description: of Hebrew origin (שֹׁמְרוֹן); Samaria (i.e. Shomeron), a city and region of Palestine:--Samaria.
    
12. Strong's Number: G3618
    There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: οἰκοδομέω
    Transliteration: oikodoméō
    Pronunciation: oy-kod-om-eh'-o
    Description: from the same as οἰκοδομή; to be a house-builder, i.e. construct or (figuratively) confirm:--(be in) build(-er, -ing, up), edify, embolden.
    
13. Strong's Number: G4198
    There are 147 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πορεύομαι
    Transliteration: poreúomai
    Pronunciation: por-yoo'-om-ahee
    Description: middle voice from a derivative of the same as πεῖρα; to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.); --depart, go (away, forth, one's way, up), (make a, take a) journey, walk.
    
14. Strong's Number: G5401
    There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: φόβος
    Transliteration: phóbos
    Pronunciation: fob'-os
    Description: from a primary (to be put in fear); alarm or fright:--be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror.
    
15. Strong's Number: G2962
    There are 687 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: κύριος
    Transliteration: kýrios
    Pronunciation: koo'-ree-os
    Description: from (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir.
    
16. Strong's Number: G3874
    There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: παράκλησις
    Transliteration: paráklēsis
    Pronunciation: par-ak'-lay-sis
    Description: from παρακαλέω; imploration, hortation, solace:--comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty.
    
17. Strong's Number: G40
    There are 1382 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἅγιος
    Transliteration: hágios
    Pronunciation: hag'-ee-os
    Description: from (an awful thing) (compare ἁγνός, θάλπω); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint.
    
18. Strong's Number: G4151
    There are 350 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πνεῦμα
    Transliteration: pneûma
    Pronunciation: pnyoo'-mah
    Description: from πνέω; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare ψυχή.
    
19. Strong's Number: G4129
    There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πληθύνω
    Transliteration: plēthýnō
    Pronunciation: play-thoo'-no
    Description: from another form of πλῆθος; to increase (transitively or intransitively):--abound, multiply.