The verse "But the word of God grew and multiplied" in Acts 12:24 means that the message of Christianity, the gospel, was spreading and increasing in influence and the number of believers. Here's a breakdown:
"The word of God": This refers to the gospel message about Jesus Christ – his life, death, resurrection, and teachings – and God's plan of salvation.
"Grew": This implies expansion and development. The message wasn't stagnant but was becoming better known, more widely understood, and more effective in changing lives.
"Multiplied": This emphasizes the increase in the number of people who were accepting the message and becoming followers of Jesus. It suggests that the church was experiencing numerical growth.
Context of Acts 12
The verse comes at the end of a chapter that includes both persecution and divine intervention:
Persecution: King Herod Agrippa I had been persecuting the church, imprisoning Peter.
Deliverance: Peter was miraculously freed from prison by an angel.
Judgment: Herod was struck down by God (Acts 12:23).
In this context, the verse "But the word of God grew and multiplied" is particularly significant because it highlights the triumph of the gospel despite opposition. It suggests that persecution and other challenges could not stop the spread of Christianity. The more they tried to repress the message, the more it flourished.
In summary, Acts 12:24 is a statement about the irresistible power and spread of the Christian message. It signifies that despite adversity, the gospel was expanding, reaching more people, and having a greater impact.
The verse "But the word of God grew and multiplied" in Acts 12:24 means that the message of Christianity, the gospel, was spreading and increasing in influence and the number of believers. Here's a breakdown:
"The word of God": This refers to the gospel message about Jesus Christ – his life, death, resurrection, and teachings – and God's plan of salvation.
"Grew": This implies expansion and development. The message wasn't stagnant but was becoming better known, more widely understood, and more effective in changing lives.
"Multiplied": This emphasizes the increase in the number of people who were accepting the message and becoming followers of Jesus. It suggests that the church was experiencing numerical growth.
Context of Acts 12
The verse comes at the end of a chapter that includes both persecution and divine intervention:
Persecution: King Herod Agrippa I had been persecuting the church, imprisoning Peter.
Deliverance: Peter was miraculously freed from prison by an angel.
Judgment: Herod was struck down by God (Acts 12:23).
In this context, the verse "But the word of God grew and multiplied" is particularly significant because it highlights the triumph of the gospel despite opposition. It suggests that persecution and other challenges could not stop the spread of Christianity. The more they tried to repress the message, the more it flourished.
In summary, Acts 12:24 is a statement about the irresistible power and spread of the Christian message. It signifies that despite adversity, the gospel was expanding, reaching more people, and having a greater impact.