Acts 12:24
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But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
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!
Open source ↗In this chapter we have the story, I. Of the martyrdom of James the apostle, and the imprisonment of Peter by Herod Agrippa, who now reigned as king in Judea (Act 12:1-4). II. The miraculous deliverance of Peter out of prison by the ministry of an angel, in answer to the prayers of the church for him (Act 12:6-19). III. The cutting off of Herod in the height of his pride by the stroke of an angel, the minister of God's justice (Act 12:20-23); and this was done while Barnabas and Saul were at Jerusalem, upon the errand that the church of Antioch sent them on, to carry their charity; and therefore in the close we have an account of their return to Antioch (Act 12:24, Act 12:25).
Open source ↗12:24-25 Herod’s demise from a terrible illness (12:23) contrasts with the growth of the Christian church and the unhindered message of Good News (28:31).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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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.
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.
So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail.
The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
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.
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.
Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon! Bring me before the king, and I will give him the interpretation.”
In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever.
When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”