Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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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.
Acts 12:24 (KJV) stands as a powerful summary statement, contrasting the demise of a persecuting ruler with the unstoppable progress of God's kingdom. Following the dramatic account of King Herod Agrippa I's judgment, this verse declares the enduring vitality and expansion of the early Christian movement.
Context
This verse immediately follows the climactic end of King Herod Agrippa I, who had been actively persecuting the church, even executing James, the brother of John (Acts 12:2), and imprisoning Peter (Acts 12:3-19). Herod's death, described in Acts 12:23, is portrayed as divine judgment for accepting worship meant only for God. In stark contrast to the fall of human power, Luke emphasizes the unhindered advancement of the Gospel. The "But" at the beginning of the verse highlights this divine reversal: human opposition fails, while God's work flourishes.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The Greek verbs used here are significant:
- "grew" comes from auxanō (αὐξάνω), meaning "to increase" or "cause to grow." It suggests organic, vital growth, like a plant taking root and expanding.
- "multiplied" comes from plēthynō (πληθύνω), meaning "to increase in number" or "to multiply." This verb specifically points to quantitative growth, indicating the rapidly increasing count of believers.
Together, these terms convey a comprehensive picture of the church's expansion – both in its internal strength and its outward reach.Practical Application
Acts 12:24 offers profound encouragement for believers today:
- Resilience in Adversity: It reminds us that even when facing opposition, persecution, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, God's work will not be ultimately hindered. The church, and the message of Christ, is built on a foundation stronger than any human threat.
- Confidence in the Gospel: This verse affirms the inherent power of the "word of God" itself. It is not our eloquence or strategies that cause growth, but the transformative power of the Gospel, which God uses to draw people to Himself (Romans 1:16).
- Call to Proclaim: Knowing that the Word grows and multiplies should embolden us to share the Gospel. Our task is to faithfully sow the seed, trusting God to bring the increase.
This verse serves as a timeless declaration of God's ultimate victory over human resistance and the unstoppable advance of His kingdom through His powerful Word.