Sanctified affliction. "But the Word of God grew and multiplied." I. THE TROUBLES ARE BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE . 1. Drawing the believers together. 2. Revealing the weakness of enemies. 3. Calling out faith and prayerfulness. 4. Occasioning new manifestations of Divine power on behalf of the Church. II. THE KINGDOM OF GOD UNDER DIVINE CONTROL AND INDEPENDENT OF HUMAN AGENCY . A time of famine and persecution and mourning, but still a... read more
The growings of the Word. The terms used here indicate a continuous expansion. "Grew and multiplied" is a blending of figures, and does not easily fit into the term, "Word of God." Probably St. Luke associated the word with our Lord's parable of the "sower;" and thought of it as seed, growing up and bringing forth its hundredfold. Two things are suggested by the sentence taken as a text. 1. St. Luke notices, as a remarkable thing, that, in spite of all the persecutions and hindrances... read more
But the word of God grew ... - Great success attended it. The persecutions had now ceased; and notwithstanding all the attempts which had been made to crush it, stir the church increased and flourished. The liberation of Peter and the death of Herod would contribute to extend it. It was a new evidence of divine interposition in behalf of the church; it would augment the zeal of Christians; it would. humble their enemies, and would fill those with fear who had attempted to oppose and crush the... read more
Acts 12:24-25. But the word of God grew and multiplied Became more successful; and in every place where it was preached, the number of disciples was considerably multiplied, and their faith greatly established. So that, after all the opposition of its enemies, who had endeavoured to extirpate it, the progress of Christianity was apparently promoted by the concurrence of the extraordinary events recorded in this chapter, namely, the deliverance of Peter, and the death of Herod, that cruel... read more
Events in Jerusalem (12:1-25)Back in Jerusalem the church was experiencing much difficulty. The Jews in general were becoming restless concerning the free mixing between Jewish and Gentile Christians, and were angry at the apostles for encouraging it. The governor at that time, Herod Agrippa I (a grandson of Herod the Great), knew it was not wise to let the Jews become too excited. Therefore, in an effort to please them he took action against the apostles by having one of them, James, executed... read more
word . Greek. logos. App-121 . grew = increased. multiplied . Greek. plethuno. See Matthew 24:12 . read more
But the word of God grew and multiplied.This wonderful verse was a favorite of the late R.B. Sweet who preached a great sermon from it. Over against all human interference, infidelity, unbelief, and opposition, there is opposed this divine "BUT." But the word of God grew and multiplied. The success of God's plans is never in question. All that God intended shall surely come to pass. read more
Acts 12:24. Grew and multiplied.— The expressions here used relate properly to vegetables, and may be intended to signify, that the growth of the gospel, that is, its prevalency in the minds and lives of some, was, as it were, the means of sowing that divine seed in the hearts of many more. See Mark 4:26; Mark 4:41. read more
24. But the word grew, &c.—that is, Not only was the royal representative ignominiously swept from the stage, while his intended victim was spared to the Church, but the cause which he and his Jewish instigators sought to crush was only furthered and glorified. How full of encouragement and consolation is all this to the Christian Church in every age! read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 12:24
The word of God grew and multiplied in Jerusalem and the neighborhood, in spite of Agrippa's persecution. The blood of the martyr James was the seed of the Church, and the speedy vengeance taken by God upon the persecuter doubtless gave fresh courage to his people to confess the Name of Jesus Christ. As regards the preceding account of Herod Agrippa's death, it is corroborated in the most remarkable manner by the narrative in Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,' 19. 8.2). He there tells that when he... read more