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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Acts 6:7 marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, showcasing its remarkable growth and divine validation following a crucial internal organizational step. This verse encapsulates the explosive spread of the gospel in Jerusalem.

Context

This verse immediately follows the resolution of a significant internal conflict within the rapidly expanding Christian community in Jerusalem. Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jewish widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, leading to grumbling against the Hebraic Jews. To address this, the apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, initiated the selection of seven men—among them Stephen and Philip—to oversee these practical matters (see Acts 6:1-6). This strategic delegation allowed the apostles to dedicate themselves fully to "prayer, and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). The success described in verse 7 is a direct result of this wise and Spirit-led administrative decision, demonstrating that order and focus are vital for spiritual flourishing.

Key Themes

  • Unstoppable Growth of the Gospel: The phrase "the word of God increased" signifies not just the spread of the message, but its deepening impact and acceptance among the people. Coupled with "the number of the disciples multiplied... greatly," it highlights the quantitative and qualitative expansion of the church. This growth was supernatural, driven by divine power.
  • The Power of God's Word: The increase of the "word of God" underscores its inherent power to transform lives and convert hearts. It is the living and active message that brings about salvation and spiritual renewal.
  • Unity and Organization as Catalysts for Revival: The resolution of the internal dispute enabled the church to move forward unitedly, proving that effective administration and unity are not hindrances but facilitators of spiritual growth.
  • Unexpected Conversions: The most striking detail is that "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Priests, being deeply entrenched in the traditional Jewish religious system, were often resistant to the new Christian message. Their conversion demonstrates the gospel's universal appeal and power to penetrate even the most unexpected segments of society. This highlights God's ability to draw people from all backgrounds into His kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "increased" (auxanō) suggests organic growth, like a plant growing naturally, indicating a divine work rather than mere human effort. "Multiplied" (plēthynō) emphasizes the numerical surge. The phrase "obedient to the faith" (Greek: hypēkooi tē pistei) signifies more than just intellectual agreement; it denotes active submission and adherence to the Christian message and way of life. It implies a genuine conversion that led to a change in their actions and allegiance.

Practical Application

Acts 6:7 offers several timeless lessons for believers and the church today:

  • Prioritize the Word and Prayer: Like the apostles, leaders and believers should prioritize the ministry of God's Word and prayer, recognizing these as foundational for spiritual vitality and growth.
  • Resolve Conflicts Wisely: Addressing internal issues with wisdom and humility, as seen in the selection of the deacons, clears the way for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully and prevents hindrances to the gospel's spread.
  • Trust in God's Transforming Power: This verse encourages us to believe that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Even those most resistant or entrenched in opposing systems can be brought to faith. We should never underestimate the power of the gospel to convert and transform.
  • Faith Requires Obedience: The priests' obedience reminds us that true faith is not passive but leads to active submission and adherence to Christ's teachings.
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.

  • 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:

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