Acts 12:24

KJV

But the word of God grew and multiplied.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the word {G3056} of God {G2316} grew {G837} and {G2532} multiplied {G4129}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the word of the Lord went on growing and being multiplied.

Berean Standard Bible

But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.

American Standard Version

But the word of God grew and multiplied.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 12:24 serves as a powerful theological summary, standing in stark contrast to the preceding narrative of King Herod Agrippa I's persecution and subsequent divine judgment. This pivotal verse declares that despite the fierce opposition from human authorities, the "word of God"—representing the Gospel message and the burgeoning Christian movement—not only survived but experienced dynamic, organic growth and quantitative expansion, underscoring God's unstoppable sovereignty over human resistance and the flourishing of His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 12:24 provides a dramatic theological counterpoint to the events of Acts 12:1-23. The preceding verses detail King Herod Agrippa I's severe persecution of the early church, including the execution of James, the brother of John ([Acts 12:2](/acts/12-2 "Acts 12:2 - Martyrdom of James")), and the imprisonment of Peter, from which he was miraculously delivered ([Acts 12:3-19](/acts/12-3-19 "Acts 12:3-19 - Peter's Miraculous Deliverance")). The climax of this narrative is Herod's public demise, struck down by an angel of the Lord for accepting divine homage from the people ([Acts 12:20-23](/acts/12-20-23 "Acts 12:20-23 - Herod's Demise")). The conjunction "But" (G1161, *dé*) at the beginning of verse 24 powerfully juxtaposes the fall of human power with the enduring triumph of God's divine purpose. It functions as a declarative statement, signaling a shift from the earthly machinations of a persecuting king to the unstoppable, supernatural progress of the Gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, ruled Judea from A.D. 41-44. He was known for his efforts to appease his Jewish subjects, which included persecuting the nascent Christian movement, seen by many as a deviant sect within Judaism. His acceptance of the title "god" from the people of Tyre and Sidon, as described in [Acts 12:22](/acts/12-22 "Acts 12:22 - Herod's Blasphemy"), was an act of profound hubris and blasphemy in the monotheistic Jewish context, leading to his swift and dramatic judgment. In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of divine retribution for such acts was well understood, and Luke's account would have resonated with both Jewish and Gentile audiences as a clear demonstration of divine justice. This historical backdrop highlights the immense pressure the early church faced and the miraculous nature of its continued expansion despite imperial and religious opposition.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the Book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Triumph**, demonstrating that no human authority, regardless of its power or malicious intent, can ultimately thwart God's eternal plan. The demise of Herod serves as a vivid illustration that God is supreme, and His purposes will prevail, even in the face of intense persecution, as seen earlier when the church was scattered after Stephen's martyrdom, yet the Word continued to spread ([Acts 8:1-4](/acts/8-1-4 "Acts 8:1-4 - Persecution and Scattering of the Church")). Secondly, it functions as a **Progress Report on the Growth of the Early Church**, a recurring literary device in Acts that emphasizes the dynamic expansion of the Christian movement. Similar statements are found elsewhere, such as when the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem ([Acts 6:7](/acts/6-7 "Acts 6:7 - Growth of the Word and Disciples")) and when the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed in Ephesus ([Acts 19:20](/acts/19-20 "Acts 19:20 - The Word of the Lord Prevailed")). Finally, it highlights **The Inherent Power of God's Word**. The "word of God" (G3056, *lógos*) refers to the Gospel message—the authoritative revelation about Jesus Christ and His kingdom. It is not merely human speech but a living, active, and transformative force, capable of discerning thoughts and intentions ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")), bringing about spiritual regeneration and numerical increase.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From λέγω (legō), meaning "to say." This term signifies something said, including the thought, a topic, reasoning, or motive. In a theological context, especially with the article (as implied here, "the word of God"), it refers to the Divine Expression. Here, it encompasses the Gospel message, the teachings of Christ, and the authoritative revelation from God being proclaimed by the apostles. It is the active agent of God's communication and kingdom expansion.
* **grew (Greek, _auxánō'_):** A prolonged form of a primary verb, meaning "to grow" or "to wax," i.e., to enlarge. This verb suggests an organic, vital, and internal increase, much like a plant growing naturally. It implies a qualitative deepening and strengthening of the Christian faith and community, an internal vitality that cannot be suppressed.
* **multiplied (Greek, _plēthýnō'_):** From another form of πλῆθος (plēthos), meaning "a great number." This verb means "to increase" (transitively or intransitively) or "to multiply." It specifically denotes quantitative growth, indicating the rapid increase in the number of believers and the geographical spread of the Gospel message. Together with "grew," it paints a comprehensive picture of both internal spiritual vitality and external numerical expansion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the word of God":** This opening phrase, introduced by the adversative conjunction "But," creates a stark contrast with the preceding account of Herod's demise. "The word of God" (ὁ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ) is presented as the enduring, active, and unstoppable force. It refers not merely to a written text but to the living, dynamic message of the Gospel, the authoritative truth about Jesus Christ and His kingdom, being proclaimed and lived out by the early church. It is God's own message, carrying His divine power and authority.
* **"grew and multiplied":** These two verbs describe the dual nature of the Gospel's advancement. "Grew" (ηὔξανεν, imperfect tense of *auxánō*) suggests a continuous, organic, and qualitative increase in depth, understanding, and influence, like a seed taking root and developing. "Multiplied" (ἐπληθύνετο, imperfect passive of *plēthýnō*) indicates a continuous, quantitative increase in numbers—more people believing, more disciples being added, and the message spreading to more places. This phrase powerfully conveys the unstoppable, divinely orchestrated expansion of the Christian movement, demonstrating that God's work is not dependent on human favor but proceeds by His own power.

#### Literary Devices
Luke masterfully employs several literary devices in Acts 12:24 to underscore its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse immediately follows the dramatic account of King Herod Agrippa I's death. Herod, a powerful human persecutor, is struck down and consumed, while in stark opposition, the "word of God" flourishes. This juxtaposition highlights the transient nature of human power versus the eternal, unstoppable power of God's kingdom. **Personification** is also evident, as the abstract "word of God" is depicted with the active qualities of growth and multiplication, as if it were a living entity. This imbues the Gospel message with an inherent vitality and agency, emphasizing that its expansion is not merely a human endeavor but a divine work. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is at play, where "the word of God" stands in for the entire Christian movement, including the community of believers, their teachings, and their mission. The growth of the Word thus signifies the growth of the church and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 12:24 is a profound theological statement affirming God's ultimate sovereignty and the inherent vitality of His revealed truth. It teaches us that no human opposition, no matter how powerful or violent, can ultimately thwart God's purposes or suppress the spread of His kingdom. The "word of God" is presented as a living, active force that possesses its own internal power to grow and expand, independent of human efforts or resistance. This growth is both qualitative (deepening of faith and understanding) and quantitative (numerical increase of believers and geographical spread). It underscores the divine origin and unstoppable nature of the Gospel, providing immense encouragement that God's plan for redemption will always prevail.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")
* [Colossians 1:6](/colossians/1-6 "Colossians 1:6 - The Gospel Bearing Fruit and Growing")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:1](/2_thessalonians/3-1 "2 Thessalonians 3:1 - The Word of the Lord Spreads Rapidly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 12:24 offers timeless encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today. In a world where the church often faces various forms of opposition, skepticism, or apathy, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that the ultimate success of the Gospel does not depend on our strategies, resources, or political climate, but on the inherent power of God's Word itself. We are called to faithfully proclaim and embody this Word, trusting that God Himself will bring the increase. This truth should embolden us to share our faith without fear, knowing that the message we carry is not merely human opinion but the living, transforming truth of God. It encourages resilience in the face of adversity, reminding us that even when human powers rise against the church, God's kingdom continues its unstoppable advance, growing both in depth of faith among believers and in numerical reach across the globe. Our role is to be faithful conduits, allowing the Word to flow through us and bear fruit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between Herod's demise and the Word's growth encourage you in times of opposition or difficulty?**
* **In what ways do you see the "word of God" growing and multiplying in your own life and community today?**
* **What practical steps can you take to contribute to the "growth" (qualitative) and "multiplication" (quantitative) of the Gospel in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does understanding the inherent power of God's Word impact your confidence in sharing your faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "the word of God" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Acts 12:24, "the word of God" (Greek: *ho lógos tou theoú*) primarily refers to the Gospel message—the good news about Jesus Christ, His life, death, resurrection, and the salvation offered through Him. It encompasses the apostolic preaching, the teachings of Jesus, and the authoritative revelation from God that was being proclaimed and embraced by the early Christian community. It's not just a set of doctrines, but a living, dynamic message that carries God's power to transform lives and establish His kingdom. This "word" is the very instrument through which God's purposes are accomplished, as seen in the growth of the church throughout the Book of Acts, such as when Peter preached and [three thousand were added](/acts/2-41 "Acts 2:41 - Three Thousand Added to the Church").

**What is the significance of the two verbs "grew" and "multiplied"?**

Answer: The use of two distinct verbs, "grew" (Greek: *auxánō*) and "multiplied" (Greek: *plēthýnō*), is highly significant. "Grew" suggests an organic, qualitative, and internal increase—like a plant maturing and strengthening its roots. This implies a deepening of faith, spiritual maturity, and the internal vitality of the Christian community. "Multiplied," on the other hand, points to a quantitative, numerical increase—more people becoming believers and the message spreading geographically. Together, these verbs convey a comprehensive picture of the church's expansion: it was not just getting bigger, but also stronger and more deeply rooted, a pattern seen consistently in Acts, for example, when the church in Jerusalem experienced both numerical growth and spiritual unity ([Acts 4:32-33](/acts/4-32-33 "Acts 4:32-33 - Unity and Power of the Early Church")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 12:24, declaring the unstoppable growth of "the word of God," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is uniquely identified as "the Word" (Greek: *ho Lógos*) in the New Testament. John's Gospel opens by proclaiming, "[In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")." This Word, who "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), is Jesus Christ. Therefore, the growth and multiplication of "the word of God" in Acts is fundamentally the expansion of Christ's kingdom and the spread of His redemptive work. The message that "grew and multiplied" was precisely the good news about Jesus—His life, death, resurrection, and ascension—and the call to follow Him. As the living Word, Christ is the source and substance of the Gospel. His Great Commission to "[make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")" ensures that His "word" will continue to grow and multiply until His return, demonstrating His ongoing sovereignty and the irresistible power of His presence through the Holy Spirit in the world. The flourishing of the early church, despite persecution, is a testament to the fact that the living Word, Jesus Christ, is indeed building His church, and "[the gates of hell shall not prevail against it](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church's Foundation")."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 6:7

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

2 Thessalonians 3:1

¶ Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have [free] course, and be glorified, even as [it is] with you:

Acts 19:20

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Matthew 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Acts 11:21

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Colossians 1:6

Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth:

Acts 5:39

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.