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Acts 9:31

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Acts 9:31 marks a significant turning point in the early history of the Christian church, immediately following the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who had been a fierce persecutor of believers.

Context

Prior to this verse, the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem and surrounding regions had faced intense persecution, primarily instigated by Saul (see Acts 8:1-3). Saul's conversion to Christianity removed the most formidable human agent of this persecution. This sudden cessation of hostility provided a crucial period of "rest" (Greek: eirēnē, meaning peace or tranquility) for the scattered churches. This peace allowed them to consolidate, strengthen, and expand their reach without immediate external threats, setting the stage for future missionary efforts.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Peace and Respite: The verse highlights a period of relief from persecution, which was vital for the young church's survival and development. This demonstrates God's sovereign hand in providing necessary seasons of calm amidst trials.
  • Edification and Spiritual Growth: The phrase "were edified" (Greek: oikodomeō, meaning 'to build up' or 'construct') indicates that the churches were spiritually strengthened and built up in their faith and understanding. This internal growth is crucial for any healthy community.
  • Reverence and Obedience ("Fear of the Lord"): Walking in the "fear of the Lord" signifies a deep reverence, respect, and obedience to God. It's not a slavish terror but a proper understanding of God's holiness and power, leading to a life lived in accordance with His will. This spiritual discipline was foundational to their stability. Proverbs 9:10 emphasizes this as the beginning of wisdom.
  • Empowerment and Encouragement ("Comfort of the Holy Ghost"): The "comfort of the Holy Ghost" (Greek: paraklēsis, meaning encouragement, consolation, or exhortation) points to the Holy Spirit's active role in sustaining, guiding, and empowering believers. The Spirit provided inner strength and assurance, enabling them to persevere and grow despite past hardships. The Holy Spirit acts as the church's divine helper and advocate, as promised by Jesus in John 14:26.
  • Numerical Multiplication: As a direct result of their internal health and external peace, the churches "were multiplied." This demonstrates that spiritual vitality, grounded in God's truth and empowered by His Spirit, naturally leads to numerical growth and expansion of the Gospel message. This echoes earlier instances of church growth described in Acts, such as in Acts 2:47.

Geographical Scope

The mention of "all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria" highlights the widespread impact of this period of peace and growth. This shows the church's expansion beyond its initial base in Jerusalem, fulfilling Jesus' commission to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Practical Application

Acts 9:31 offers timeless lessons for believers and churches today. It underscores that periods of peace, though perhaps less dramatic than times of persecution, are crucial for spiritual consolidation and growth. A healthy church is one that is continually being built up in faith, walks in reverence for God, relies on the active presence and comfort of the Holy Spirit, and naturally experiences multiplication, both spiritually and numerically. It reminds us that true church growth stems from internal spiritual health and a right relationship with God.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 111:10 (12 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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

  • John 14:18 (10 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 33:6 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 14:26 (8 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 14:27 (8 votes)

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