Acts 9:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:31 provides a pivotal summary statement, marking a period of significant peace and growth for the early Christian church. Following the dramatic conversion of Saul, the intense persecution that had scattered believers ceased, allowing the nascent communities across Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria to experience tranquility. During this respite, the churches were not only strengthened internally through spiritual edification and a deepening reverence for God, but also experienced numerical expansion, demonstrating the divine blessing and the power of the Holy Spirit at work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 9:31 serves as a crucial transitional summary, concluding the narrative segment focused on Saul's conversion and his initial, albeit controversial, ministry in Damascus and Jerusalem (Acts 9:1-30). Prior to this, the church faced severe persecution, notably instigated by Saul himself, which led to the scattering of believers from Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-3). The immediate cessation of this intense external pressure, largely due to Saul's transformation from persecutor to preacher, created a window of opportunity for the scattered Christian communities. This verse acts as a bridge, setting the stage for Peter's ministry in Lydda and Joppa (Acts 9:32-43) and the subsequent groundbreaking conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile, in Acts 10, underscoring the church's expansion beyond Jewish boundaries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church operated within a complex socio-religious landscape dominated by Roman rule and Jewish religious authority. Persecution, often incited by zealous Jewish leaders who viewed Christianity as a heretical sect, was a constant threat. The period described in Acts 9:31 likely reflects a temporary lull in this persecution, possibly due to the political instability in Judea following Emperor Caligula's controversial attempt to erect his statue in the Jerusalem Temple, which diverted Jewish leadership's attention away from the Christians. This "rest" was not a permanent cessation of all opposition but a strategic divine intervention, allowing the fragile Christian communities to consolidate their faith, organize, and expand their reach across the diverse regions of Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria, areas with distinct Jewish and Samaritan populations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several vital themes central to the book of Acts and the growth of the early church. It highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating circumstances (like Saul's conversion and the ensuing peace) for the church's benefit. The theme of **Church Growth** is prominent, not merely in numerical terms but also in spiritual maturity, as indicated by their edification and walking in the fear of the Lord. The **Role of the Holy Spirit** is underscored as the source of comfort and empowerment, enabling both internal strengthening and external multiplication, echoing Jesus' promise of power for witness in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Furthermore, the geographical scope mentioned ("Judaea and Galilee and Samaria") directly reflects the fulfillment of Jesus' commission to spread the Gospel, moving beyond Jerusalem to broader regions, as seen in the church's expansion from [Acts 2:47](/acts/2-47 "Acts 2:47 - Daily Growth of the Early Church") and [Acts 6:7](/acts/6-7 "Acts 6:7 - Growth Amidst Challenges").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **churches (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** From a compound of *ek* (out) and a derivative of *kaleō* (to call), meaning "a calling out." This term refers to a popular meeting, specifically a religious congregation, whether a Jewish synagogue or a Christian community of members on earth. Here, it signifies the local assemblies of believers, emphasizing their identity as those "called out" by God and gathered as distinct communities of faith.
* **rest (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Probably from a primary verb meaning "to join," *eirēnē* signifies peace, tranquility, or prosperity. In this context, it denotes a period of cessation from external hostility and persecution, providing a much-needed calm for the fledgling Christian communities to consolidate and grow without immediate threat. It implies a state of well-being and security.
* **edified (Greek, _oikodoméō'_):** From the same root as *oikodomē* (a house-builder), this verb means "to be a house-builder," or figuratively, "to construct" or "confirm." Here, it indicates that the churches were built up, strengthened, and confirmed in their faith, doctrine, and internal organization. It speaks to spiritual growth and maturity, akin to constructing a strong, stable building.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria,"**: This opening clause establishes the immediate consequence of the events preceding it, particularly the conversion of Saul. The "churches" (plural) signify the widespread presence of Christian communities beyond Jerusalem. The "rest" indicates a period of peace, a cessation of the intense persecution that had previously afflicted them. The geographical scope – Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria – highlights the significant expansion of the Gospel's reach across diverse regions of Palestine, fulfilling the early stages of Jesus' Great Commission.
* **"and were edified;"**: This clause details the internal spiritual growth and strengthening that occurred during this period of peace. "Edified" implies that the believers were built up in their faith, knowledge, and understanding of Christian truth. This internal consolidation was crucial for their resilience and future expansion, indicating not just numerical increase but qualitative spiritual development.
* **"and walking in the fear of the Lord,"**: This phrase describes the manner of life adopted by the believers. "Walking" denotes their conduct and way of life, while "the fear of the Lord" signifies a profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission to God. It is not a servile dread but a holy respect for God's power, holiness, and authority, which shapes their moral and spiritual behavior. This reverence was foundational to their stability and authenticity.
* **"and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost,"**: This clause points to the active and sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit. "Comfort" (paraklesis) encompasses encouragement, consolation, and exhortation. The Holy Spirit provided inner strength, guidance, and assurance to the believers, enabling them to persevere, find solace amidst past trials, and be empowered for their mission. The Spirit's presence was vital for their spiritual vitality.
* **"were multiplied."**: This final clause describes the ultimate outcome of the preceding conditions: peace, edification, reverence, and the Spirit's comfort. The churches experienced numerical growth, indicating that their internal health and divine empowerment naturally led to an increase in the number of believers. This multiplication signifies the successful spread of the Gospel and the expansion of God's kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 9:31 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. It functions primarily as a **Summary Statement**, providing a concise overview of the church's state and progress after a significant narrative event (Saul's conversion). The verse also demonstrates **Geographical Progression**, explicitly naming "Judaea and Galilee and Samaria," which echoes Jesus' commission in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission") and highlights the expanding reach of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. Furthermore, the verse uses **Cause and Effect**, implicitly linking the "rest" (cause) to the subsequent edification and multiplication (effects), and explicitly linking the "walking in the fear of the Lord" and "in the comfort of the Holy Ghost" (causes) to the multiplication (effect). This structure emphasizes that spiritual vitality and divine empowerment are prerequisites for genuine growth. The parallel structure of "walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost" also showcases a form of **Parallelism**, emphasizing the dual internal foundations of the church's health.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:31 is a profound theological statement on the nature of the church and its growth. It reveals that true church growth is not merely numerical but holistic, encompassing spiritual maturity, moral integrity, and divine empowerment. The "rest" granted by God underscores His sovereign care for His people, providing seasons of peace necessary for consolidation and preparation for future ministry. This peace, however, is not passive; it enables active edification and a deeper commitment to walking in reverence for God. Crucially, the verse highlights the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit as the source of comfort, strength, and the ultimate agent of multiplication, demonstrating that the church's expansion is fundamentally a work of God.

* [Isaiah 32:18](/isaiah/32-18 "Isaiah 32:18 - Dwelling in Peace")
* [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Building Up the Body of Christ")
* [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher and Comforter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:31 offers timeless principles for the health and growth of the church today. It reminds us that periods of peace and respite, though often less dramatic than times of intense trial, are divinely ordained opportunities for deep spiritual work. For believers, this means prioritizing personal and corporate edification – diligently studying God's Word, engaging in fellowship, and growing in knowledge and wisdom. Walking in the "fear of the Lord" calls for a profound reverence that shapes every aspect of our lives, leading to obedience and holiness. Moreover, we are reminded of our absolute dependence on the "comfort of the Holy Ghost" for strength, guidance, and empowerment in all circumstances. When these internal spiritual disciplines are faithfully pursued, the natural outcome, by God's grace, is the multiplication of disciples and the expansion of His kingdom, both qualitatively in spiritual depth and quantitatively in reach. This verse challenges us to seek not just outward growth, but first and foremost, internal spiritual vitality rooted in God's truth and Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does a period of "rest" or peace, as described in Acts 9:31, contribute to the spiritual health and growth of a church or individual believer today?**
* **In what practical ways can believers and churches "walk in the fear of the Lord" in contemporary society?**
* **How do you personally experience and rely on the "comfort of the Holy Ghost" in your daily life and spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**What does "rest" mean in the context of Acts 9:31?**

Answer: In Acts 9:31, "rest" (Greek: *eirēnē*) signifies a period of peace and tranquility for the early Christian churches. This was a cessation of the intense persecution they had been experiencing, particularly following the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who had been a chief persecutor. This "rest" allowed the scattered and nascent Christian communities in Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria to consolidate, strengthen their internal life, and grow without immediate external threats, providing a crucial window for spiritual edification and numerical expansion. It was a divinely orchestrated lull that enabled the church to flourish.

**How were the churches "edified" and what does that mean for us today?**

Answer: The term "edified" (Greek: *oikodoméō*) means "to be built up" or "constructed." In the context of Acts 9:31, it signifies that the churches were strengthened spiritually, growing in their understanding of Christian doctrine, deepening their faith, and maturing in their communal life. This internal building up involved teaching, fellowship, and the application of truth, making them more resilient and stable. For believers today, edification means continuous spiritual growth through the study of God's Word, participation in Christian community, prayer, and the practice of spiritual disciplines, all aimed at building up the body of Christ as described in [Ephesians 4:12](/ephesians/4-12 "Ephesians 4:12 - Equipping the Saints").

**What is the significance of "walking in the fear of the Lord" and "in the comfort of the Holy Ghost" for the church's multiplication?**

Answer: These two phrases describe the foundational spiritual conditions that led to the church's multiplication. "Walking in the fear of the Lord" denotes a life lived in profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission to God, reflecting holiness and integrity. This spiritual discipline fostered internal purity and credibility. "In the comfort of the Holy Ghost" highlights the Holy Spirit's active role in empowering, encouraging, and sustaining believers, providing inner strength and assurance. Together, these elements indicate that the church's growth was not merely a human effort but a supernatural work rooted in a right relationship with God (fear of the Lord) and empowered by His divine presence (comfort of the Holy Ghost). This demonstrates that genuine numerical growth flows from deep spiritual health and divine enablement, as the Spirit convicts hearts and draws people to Christ, as seen in [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit Convicts the World").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:31, while describing a period of earthly peace and growth for the early church, profoundly points to the ongoing work of Christ through His Spirit. The "rest" experienced by the churches is a foretaste of the ultimate peace that Christ secured through His atoning work on the cross, reconciling humanity to God and breaking down the wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The "edification" of the churches speaks to Christ's role as the chief cornerstone and the one who builds His church, ensuring its spiritual maturity and strength ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")). The "fear of the Lord" is not a legalistic burden but a reverent response to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, who is to be honored above all ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Most significantly, the "comfort of the Holy Ghost" underscores Christ's promise to send the Helper, the Spirit of Truth, who would indwell believers, empower them for witness, and guide them into all truth ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - Promise of the Holy Spirit"); [John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit of Truth")). Finally, the "multiplication" of the churches is the direct fulfillment of Christ's Great Commission, as His disciples, empowered by His Spirit, are sent out to make more disciples, extending His kingdom to the ends of the earth ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, Acts 9:31 is a testament to the living Christ actively building, sustaining, and expanding His church through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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

Psalms 111:10

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever.

John 14:16

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:18

¶ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Isaiah 33:6

And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, [and] strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD [is] his treasure.

Proverbs 23:17

¶ Let not thine heart envy sinners: but [be thou] in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

Proverbs 14:26

¶ In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Proverbs 14:27

The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.