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. So the word of God continued to spread.The apostles’ devotion to prayer and the ministry of the word, supported by the seven men appointed to serve the church’s practical needs, removed a threat to unity and strengthened the church’s witness. God’s word advanced despite opposition, fulfilling the Lord’s purpose and bearing fruit as Isaiah 55:11 foretells. The risen Christ was being proclaimed in the very city where He had been crucified, in keeping with His command that His witnesses begin in Jerusalem and extend outward through the power of the Holy Spirit. Act 12:24 But the word of God continued to spread and multiply. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, The growing body of disciples included men and women who received Jesus as the promised Messiah and committed themselves to His teaching and fellowship. Their shared life, generosity, prayer, and public testimony displayed the transforming work of the Spirit. The increase in Jerusalem also continued the fulfillment of Joel’s promise that God would pour out His Spirit, gathering people to call upon the name of the Lord. Act 2:41 Those who embraced his message were baptized… and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. Many priests who served in the temple came to acknowledge that Jesus had fulfilled the Scriptures concerning the Messiah. Their conversion carried particular weight because the temple sacrifices, priesthood, and worship all pointed ultimately to Christ and His once-for-all sacrifice. Obedience to the faith involved more than intellectual agreement; it meant submitting to the gospel and trusting in the crucified and risen Lord. The gospel was proving able to overcome religious tradition, social position, and former opposition, bringing even members of Jerusalem’s religious establishment into the church. Act 21:20 When they heard this, they glorified God.… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Word of GodRefers to the message of the Gospel, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the Scriptures that were being preached by the apostles. 2. Disciples in Jerusalem The early followers of Jesus who were based in Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religious life and the birthplace of the early church. 3. Priests Jewish religious leaders who served in the temple. Their conversion signifies a significant shift, as they were part of the established religious order. 4. Jerusalem The city where the early church was growing and where significant events in the life of Jesus and the apostles took place. 5. The Faith Refers to the Christian faith, the belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Son of God. Teaching Points The Power of the WordThe spread of the word of God demonstrates its inherent power to transform lives and communities. Believers today are called to trust in the power of Scripture to bring about change. The Role of Discipleship The rapid growth of disciples highlights the importance of discipleship in the church. Christians are encouraged to engage in discipleship, both as learners and teachers. Breaking Religious Barriers The conversion of priests shows that the Gospel transcends religious and cultural barriers. Believers should be open to sharing the Gospel with all people, regardless of their background. Obedience to the Faith Becoming obedient to the faith involves a transformation of heart and mind. Christians are called to live out their faith through obedience to God's commands. Community Impact The growth of the church in Jerusalem had a significant impact on the community. Believers are encouraged to be active in their communities, spreading the love and truth of the Gospel. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the phrase "the word of God continued to spread" teach us about the nature of the Gospel and its impact on the world?2. How can we, as modern-day disciples, contribute to the rapid growth of the church in our own communities? 3. What lessons can we learn from the conversion of the priests about sharing the Gospel with those who may seem resistant or unlikely to believe? 4. In what ways can we demonstrate obedience to the faith in our daily lives, and how does this obedience impact our witness to others? 5. How can the early church's example of community impact inspire us to engage more effectively with our own communities today? Connections to Other Scriptures Acts 2:41This verse describes the initial growth of the church after Peter's sermon at Pentecost, showing the continued expansion of the church as seen in Acts 6:7. Matthew 28:19-20 The Great Commission given by Jesus to make disciples of all nations, which is being fulfilled as the word of God spreads in Acts 6:7. Romans 1:16 Paul speaks of the Gospel as the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, which is evident in the conversion of many, including priests, in Acts 6:7. People Alexandrians, Cilicians, Cyrenians, Grecians, Nicanor, Nicolas, Parmenas, Philip, Prochorus, Stephen, TimonPlaces Asia, Cilicia, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Syrian AntiochTopics Agreement, Becoming, Company, Continued, Crowd, Disciples, Exceedingly, Faith, God's, Greatly, Increase, Increased, Increasing, Jerusalem, Kept, Large, Meanwhile, Message, Multiplied, Multiply, Multitude, Obedient, Obeyed, Power, Priests, Rapidly, Spread, SpreadingDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 6:7 1690 word of God Library October 4 MorningMoses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.--EXO. 34:29. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.--Lord, when saw we thee a hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?--In lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves.--Be clothed with humility. [Jesus] was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.--All that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on Stephen, … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path February 16. "We Will Give Ourselves Continually to Prayer" (Acts vi. 4). Filled with the Spirit Good Earnests of Great Success Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen. The Signs The Outbreak of the Arian Controversy. The Attitude of Eusebius. The Epistles of Paul. The Right to Run Things The Johannean Literature. Deacons and Deaconesses. Philip, the Evangelist Whether Christ Should have Led a Life of Poverty in this World? Whether to Baptize is Part of the Priestly Office, or Proper to that of Bishops? Whether the Fulness of Grace is Proper to Christ? The Holy Catholic Church. The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects. Twenty-Fifth Day for More Conversions The Birth of England's Foreign Missions Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian Estate. Synagogues in the City; and Schools. Links Acts 6:7 NIVActs 6:7 NLT Acts 6:7 ESV Acts 6:7 NASB Acts 6:7 KJV Acts 6:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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