Acts 19:20
New International Version
In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

New Living Translation
So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.

English Standard Version
So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

Berean Standard Bible
So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail.

Berean Literal Bible
Thus the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail with might.

King James Bible
So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

New King James Version
So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

New American Standard Bible
So the word of the Lord was growing and prevailing mightily.

NASB 1995
So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.

NASB 1977
So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.

Legacy Standard Bible
So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.

Amplified Bible
So the word of the Lord [concerning eternal salvation through faith in Christ] was growing greatly and prevailing.

Berean Annotated Bible
So the word of the Lord {Kyriou} powerfully continued to spread and prevail.

Christian Standard Bible
In this way the word of the Lord spread and prevailed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In this way the Lord’s message flourished and prevailed.

American Standard Version
So mightily grew the word of the Lord and prevailed.

Contemporary English Version
So the Lord's message spread and became even more powerful.

English Revised Version
So mightily grew the word of the Lord and prevailed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In this powerful way the word of the Lord was spreading and gaining strength.

Good News Translation
In this powerful way the word of the Lord kept spreading and growing stronger.

International Standard Version
In that way the word of the Lord kept spreading and triumphing.

NET Bible
In this way the word of the Lord continued to grow in power and to prevail.

New Heart English Bible
So the word of the Lord was growing and becoming mighty.

Webster's Bible Translation
So mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed.

Weymouth New Testament
Thus mightily did the Lord's Message spread and triumph!
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail.

World English Bible
So the word of the Lord was growing and becoming mighty.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
so powerfully was the word of God increasing and prevailing.

Berean Literal Bible
Thus the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail with might.

Young's Literal Translation
so powerfully was the word of God increasing and prevailing.

Smith's Literal Translation
Thus with might the word of the Lord increased, and was strong.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So mightily grew the word of God, and was confirmed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In this way, the Word of God was increasing strongly and was being confirmed.

New American Bible
Thus did the word of the Lord continue to spread with influence and power.

New Revised Standard Version
So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So mightily grew the faith of God and greatly increased in numbers.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And thus with great power the faith of God was increasing in strength and growing.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
So mightily did the word of the Lord grow and prevail.

Godbey New Testament
Thus the word of the Lord increased and accumulated strength according to His power.

Haweis New Testament
So mightily did the word of God increase and prevail.

Mace New Testament
thus the christian doctrine flourish'd and prevail'd.

Weymouth New Testament
Thus mightily did the Lord's Message spread and triumph!

Worrell New Testament
So mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed.

Worsley New Testament
So mightily did the word of the Lord increase and prevail.

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Sons of Sceva
19And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books and burned them in front of everyone. When the value of the books was calculated, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail. 21After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”…

Cross References
So the word of the Lord

2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.

Acts 13:49
And the word of the Lord spread throughout that region.

Acts 12:24
But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.
powerfully

1 Thessalonians 1:5
because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.

Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

2 Corinthians 10:4
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
continued to spread

Acts 6:7
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.

1 Thessalonians 1:8
For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more.

Colossians 1:6
that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.
and prevail.

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

2 Timothy 2:9
for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!

Isaiah 55:11
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.
Isaiah 55:11
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Jeremiah 23:29
“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”

1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe.


Treasury of Scripture

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

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.

Acts 12:24
But the word of God grew and multiplied.

Isaiah 55:11
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

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Full Greatly Grew Growing Increased Increasing Lord's Message Mightily Mighty Power Powerfully Prevailed Prevailing Spread Triumph Way Widely Word
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Acts 19
1. The Holy Spirit is given by Paul's hands.
8. The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles.
13. The Jewish exorcists,
16. are beaten by a man who had an evil spirit.
19. Conjuring books are burnt.
21. Demetrius, for love of gain, raises an uproar against Paul;
35. which is appeased by the town clerk.












So the word of the Lord

The gospel of Jesus Christ was proclaimed throughout Ephesus by Paul and the believers who had been taught and strengthened there. Its message centered on Christ’s death and resurrection and called people to turn from sin and receive salvation.

2Th 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord…
Act 13:49 And the word of the Lord spread throughout that region.
Act 12:24 But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.

powerfully

God confirmed the message through the work of the Holy Spirit, including the miracles performed through Paul. Many who had practiced magic and idolatry openly renounced their former ways, demonstrating the Gospel’s effect on lives and practices.

1Th 1:5 our gospel came to you not only in word,…
Rom 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power…
2Co 10:4 The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh.…

continued to spread

Ephesus was a leading commercial and religious center in Asia Minor, so the growth of the church there carried the message into surrounding cities and regions. Opposition did not stop its advance.

Act 6:7 So the word of God continued to spread…
1Th 1:8 For not only did the message of the Lord ring out…
Col 1:6 that has come to you. All over the world this gospel…

and prevail.

The Gospel overcame the influence of occult practices, false gods, and the worship of Artemis that dominated the city. God’s truth proved stronger than the spiritual deception and social pressures that had held many Ephesians captive.

Mat 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock…
2Ti 2:9 for which I suffer to the extent of being chained…
Isa 55:11 So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
A key figure in the spread of Christianity, Paul was instrumental in establishing the church in Ephesus, where this verse is set.

2. Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, known for its temple to Artemis and a center of commerce and culture. It was a significant location for early Christian evangelism.

3. The Word of the Lord
Refers to the message of the Gospel, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the Scriptures that were being spread by the apostles and early Christians.

4. Miracles and Conversions
Prior to this verse, Paul performed miracles, and many Ephesians turned from sorcery and idolatry to Christianity, demonstrating the power of the Gospel.

5. Cultural and Spiritual Conflict
The spread of Christianity in Ephesus led to a clash with existing pagan practices and beliefs, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel.
Teaching Points
The Power of the Gospel
The Gospel is inherently powerful and transformative, capable of changing lives and societies. Believers should have confidence in its ability to prevail against cultural and spiritual opposition.

The Role of Faithful Witnesses
Like Paul, Christians are called to be faithful witnesses, trusting that God will use their efforts to spread His Word effectively.

Overcoming Spiritual Opposition
The spread of the Gospel often encounters resistance, but believers can be encouraged that God's Word will ultimately prevail.

Cultural Engagement
Christians are called to engage with their culture, bringing the light of the Gospel into areas of darkness and idolatry, just as Paul did in Ephesus.

The Importance of Community
The growth of the Word in Ephesus was facilitated by a community of believers working together. Christians should seek to build and strengthen their local church communities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Acts 19:20?

2. How can we ensure God's word "continued to spread and prevail" in our lives?

3. What actions can we take to help God's word "prevail mightily" today?

4. How does Acts 19:20 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?

5. In what ways can we measure the impact of God's word in our community?

6. How can we apply the power of God's word to overcome spiritual challenges?

7. How does Acts 19:20 demonstrate the power of God's word in early Christian communities?

8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 19:20?

9. How does Acts 19:20 reflect the spread of Christianity in Ephesus?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 19?


(20) So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.--The verbs imply a continuous growth. The better MSS. give, "the word of the Lord."

Verse 20. - The Lord for God, A.V. If the R.T. has the true order of the words, they must be construed, To such an extent, according to the might of the Lord, did the word grow and prevail, after the analogy of Ephesians 1:19. Κατὰ κράτος, however, taken by itself, is quite usual, like κατὰ μικρόν καθ ὑπερβολήν, etc. (Alford), and is rightly rendered "mightily."

Acts 19:20 reports a literal, historical fact and a timeless principle. Because the living, authoritative word of the Lord was proclaimed, it kept advancing with divine power, spreading ever wider and defeating every rival. The same unchanging word still works the same way wherever believers repent, proclaim, and trust its unstoppable strength.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
Οὕτως (Houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

word
λόγος (logos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

powerfully
κράτος (kratos)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2904: Dominion, strength, power; a mighty deed. Perhaps a primary word; vigor.

continued to spread
ηὔξανεν (ēuxanen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 837: (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

prevail.
ἴσχυεν (ischyen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2480: To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.


Additonal Resources
Acts 19:20 Blue Letter Bible
Acts 19:20 Bible Gateway
Acts 19:20 Bible.com

Acts 19:20 NIV
Acts 19:20 NLT
Acts 19:20 ESV
Acts 19:20 NASB
Acts 19:20 KJV

Acts 19:20 Study Bible
Acts 19:20 Biblia Paralela
Acts 19:20 Chinese Bible
Acts 19:20 French Bible
Acts 19:20 Catholic Bible

NT Apostles: Acts 19:20 So the word of the Lord was (Acts of the Apostles Ac)

Acts 19:19
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