Bible Strands
Acts 12:24
But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrator places this statement immediately after Herod’s sudden death and just before Barnabas and Saul return from Jerusalem. It serves as a narrative pivot that contrasts human judgment with the uninterrupted progress of the gospel.
The words — ηὔξανεν (ēuxanen) means was continuing to grow, and ἐπληθύνετο (eplēthuneto) means was being multiplied. These verbs describe the word of God’s ongoing expansion in both geographical reach and numerical increase.
The thread — This pattern of unstoppable propagation appears in Acts 6:7, Acts 19:20, and 2 Thessalonians 3:1. Each reference tracks the same trajectory of divine speech advancing despite human resistance or through prayerful request.
Why it lands — The text asserts that God’s message expands regardless of political violence or leadership failure. It requires the reader to recognize this expansion as divine action and to align expectations with the reality that opposition cannot halt its progress.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Cross-references
- 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.
- Acts 19:20 So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail.
- 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.
- 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.
- Acts 11:21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
- 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.
- Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.
- Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
- Isaiah 54:14 In righteousness you will be established, far from oppression, for you will have no fear. Terror will be far removed, for it will not come near you.
- Daniel 2:24 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.”