Acts 6:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the word {G3056} of God {G2316} increased {G837}; and {G2532} the number {G706} of the disciples {G3101} multiplied {G4129} in {G1722} Jerusalem {G2419} greatly {G4970}; and {G5037} a great {G4183} company {G3793} of the priests {G2409} were obedient {G5219} to the faith {G4102}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the word of God continued to spread. The number of talmidim in Yerushalayim increased rapidly, and a large crowd of cohanim were becoming obedient to the faith.

Berean Standard Bible

So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 6:7 stands as a profound testament to the early church's remarkable vitality and divine favor, illustrating the explosive growth of the gospel in Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates the spiritual and numerical expansion of the Christian community, highlighting the increasing influence of God's message and the surprising conversion of a significant number of Jewish priests, underscoring the transformative power of faith even among the most unexpected segments of society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the resolution of a significant internal challenge within the burgeoning Christian community. The rapid growth of the church had led to a practical problem: Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jewish widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food, causing grumbling among their community against the Hebraic Jews. In response, the apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, initiated the selection of seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee these practical matters, thereby freeing the apostles to devote themselves to "prayer and to the ministry of the word" ([Acts 6:4](/acts/6-4 "Acts 6:4 - Apostles' Focus on Prayer and Word")). Acts 6:7 serves as the immediate outcome and validation of this Spirit-led administrative decision, demonstrating that order and focused ministry are essential catalysts for spiritual flourishing and gospel advancement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem in the first century was the epicenter of Jewish religious life, dominated by the Temple and its priesthood. The Jewish people, including the priests, adhered strictly to the Mosaic Law and the traditions of their forefathers. The early Christian movement, originating from within Judaism, was initially perceived by many as a sect, often met with skepticism, opposition, and even persecution from the established religious authorities, including the Sanhedrin and the priestly class. The conversion of "a great company of the priests" is therefore historically astounding, as these individuals were deeply entrenched in the very system that Jesus's death and resurrection had fulfilled and, in many ways, rendered obsolete. Their obedience to the faith signifies a radical shift in allegiance, moving from the sacrificial system of the Temple to faith in Christ, the ultimate sacrifice.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 6:7 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the **unstoppable growth and divine momentum of the gospel**, illustrating how the "word of God increased" and the "number of the disciples multiplied," a recurring motif throughout [Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles"). Secondly, it highlights the **inherent power and efficacy of God's Word** to transform lives, demonstrating that it is not merely human persuasion but divine truth that brings about genuine conversion. Thirdly, the verse subtly emphasizes the importance of **unity and effective organization** within the church, showing how the resolution of internal conflict (as detailed in [Acts 6:1-6](/acts/6-1-6 "Acts 6:1-6 - The Selection of the Seven Deacons")) directly facilitated external growth. Finally, the surprising conversion of priests exemplifies the **universal reach of the gospel**, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to draw people from all backgrounds and even those most resistant to the new message into His kingdom, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a people from every tribe and tongue being redeemed ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, this term refers to "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive." In the context of "the word of God," it signifies the divine message, the gospel, the teachings concerning Jesus Christ, and by extension, the living and active message that God communicates to humanity. Its "increase" denotes not just wider dissemination but also deeper penetration and acceptance.
* **Increased (Greek, _auxánō'_):** From G837, this primary verb means "to grow ('wax'), i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)." This word implies an organic, natural, and often divinely initiated growth, much like a plant growing. It suggests that the increase of the word was not merely a result of human effort but a supernatural work, indicative of God's blessing and power.
* **Were obedient (Greek, _hypakoúō'_):** From G5219, meaning "to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority." This term signifies more than mere intellectual assent; it denotes active submission, compliance, and adherence to the authority of the gospel. For the priests, this meant a radical reorientation of their lives and allegiances, moving from the established Temple system to the new covenant faith in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the word of God increased":** This clause highlights the primary engine of the early church's expansion – the divine message itself. The "word of God" refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was being proclaimed by the apostles and disciples. Its "increase" signifies both its quantitative spread (reaching more people) and its qualitative deepening (being more fully understood and embraced). This growth was not incidental but a direct result of God's active work, demonstrating the inherent power of His revelation.
* **"and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly":** This phrase describes the numerical outcome of the word's increase. "Disciples" refers to those who had committed themselves to following Jesus. Their "multiplication" indicates a rapid and significant growth in the size of the Christian community, particularly within Jerusalem, the very heart of Jewish religious and cultural life. The adverb "greatly" (Greek: _sphódra_) emphasizes the extraordinary scale of this expansion, underscoring the supernatural nature of the church's early development.
* **"and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith":** This is arguably the most striking detail of the verse. The "priests" were the custodians of the Mosaic Law and the Temple cult, often resistant to the Christian message. Their conversion, described as "a great company" (Greek: _óchlos polýs_), signifies a substantial number, indicating a powerful breakthrough of the gospel into an unexpected and highly influential segment of Jewish society. Their "obedience to the faith" (Greek: _hypakoúō tē pístei_) implies a genuine, transformative conversion that led to active submission to the Christian message and way of life, a profound testament to the gospel's universal power to penetrate all barriers.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 6:7 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine triumph and church growth. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the phrases "multiplied... greatly" and "a great company of the priests." While likely reflecting genuine, significant growth, these expressions emphasize the extraordinary and almost unbelievable scale of the expansion, particularly the conversion of priests, making the impact more dramatic for the reader. There is also a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in "the word of God increased," where "the word" stands for the entire gospel message and its transformative power. The increase of the word is equated with the increase of its impact and acceptance. Furthermore, the verse presents a powerful **Juxtaposition** between the initial internal conflict (resolved in the preceding verses) and the subsequent external flourishing. This contrast highlights the principle that internal order and spiritual focus lead to outward growth. The conversion of the priests also functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing the gospel's ability to break through entrenched religious systems and reach even the most resistant hearts, demonstrating God's sovereign power over all human institutions and traditions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 6:7 serves as a powerful theological statement about the unstoppable nature of God's kingdom and the inherent vitality of His Word. It illustrates that when the church aligns itself with divine priorities—prayer and the ministry of the Word—and resolves internal conflicts with wisdom and humility, God Himself orchestrates extraordinary growth. The conversion of the priests is a profound demonstration of God's sovereign grace, proving that no one is beyond the reach of the gospel, regardless of their background, status, or prior religious commitments. This verse affirms God's commitment to building His church, even in the face of opposition, and highlights the transformative power of genuine faith that leads to obedience. It reminds us that true spiritual growth, both numerical and qualitative, is ultimately a divine work, though it often follows human faithfulness and wise stewardship.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")
* [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")
* [Colossians 1:6](/colossians/1-6 "Colossians 1:6 - The Gospel Bearing Fruit and Growing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 6:7 offers profound lessons for believers and the church today, emphasizing that true spiritual vitality stems from a commitment to God's priorities. Just as the apostles prioritized prayer and the ministry of the Word, so too must contemporary leaders and individual believers recognize these as non-negotiable foundations for spiritual health and growth. This verse challenges us to consider whether our personal and corporate lives are truly centered on the active proclamation and faithful obedience to God's Word. Furthermore, the narrative reminds us of the critical importance of unity and wise administration within the church; internal strife can hinder the gospel's advance, while humble and Spirit-led conflict resolution can unleash unprecedented spiritual flourishing. The surprising conversion of the priests should ignite our faith and evangelistic fervor, reminding us that no individual or group is beyond the transformative power of God's grace. We are called to share the gospel boldly, trusting that God can break through any barrier and draw even the most hardened hearts to Himself. Finally, the "obedience to the faith" demonstrated by the priests underscores that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, active submission to Christ's Lordship, leading to a changed life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the prioritization of "prayer and the ministry of the word" in the early church challenge my own priorities or the priorities of my church today?**
* **In what ways might internal conflicts or organizational issues be hindering the growth and impact of the gospel in my community or church?**
* **Whom do I consider "unlikely" to come to faith, and how does the conversion of the priests in Acts 6:7 encourage me to pray for and share the gospel with them?**
* **What does "obedience to the faith" practically look like in my daily life, and how can I grow in active submission to Christ's teachings?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of "a great company of the priests" becoming obedient to the faith?**

Answer: The conversion of "a great company of the priests" was immensely significant because priests were central figures in the Jewish religious establishment, deeply invested in the Temple system and its rituals. Their acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah meant a radical shift from the old covenant system, which they upheld, to the new covenant established through Christ's sacrifice. This demonstrated the gospel's profound power to transcend traditional religious boundaries and transform the hearts of those most entrenched in the former ways. It served as powerful evidence of God's sovereign work and the undeniable truth of the Christian message, even to those who had every reason to oppose it. It also likely provided significant credibility and momentum to the early Christian movement within Jewish society, showing that even religious leaders were finding fulfillment in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 6:7, though describing the early church's growth, profoundly points to Christ as its ultimate source and fulfillment. The "word of God" that increased is none other than the message centered on Jesus, who is Himself the [eternal Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the very [revelation of God](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus, the Revelation of the Father"). The multiplication of disciples is a direct fulfillment of Christ's Great Commission to [make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"), beginning in Jerusalem and extending to the ends of the earth. The "obedience to the faith" by the priests is a testament to the irresistible drawing power of Christ, who declared, "[And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People to Himself")". Their conversion from the old covenant system to faith in Jesus underscores that He is the [fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), the [ultimate High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") whose single sacrifice superseded all Temple rituals. Thus, the flourishing described in Acts 6:7 is not merely an account of church statistics, but a vibrant demonstration of Christ's ongoing work through His Spirit, building His church and drawing all people to Himself, fulfilling His redemptive purpose.

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 19:20

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Acts 12:24

But the word of God grew and multiplied.

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:

Hebrews 5:9

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Acts 14:22

Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Romans 1:5

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Romans 16:26

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: