Bible Strands
Acts 9:31
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Luke's narrative summary, not a character's speech. It brackets Paul's departure to Tarsus (v.30) and Peter's travels to Lydda (v.32), marking a lull in persecution.
The words — φόβος (phobos) — literally "fear," here reverential awe of the Lord rather than terror. It pairs with the Holy Spirit's encouragement as the two engines behind the church's growth.
The thread — The fear of the LORD as the foundation of wisdom and stability runs through Psalms 111:10 and Isaiah 33:6. The Spirit as God's ongoing presence with the community echoes John 14:16.
Why it lands — It holds up a measurable picture: a church at peace, growing, reverent, and Spirit-led. It asks the reader to check which of those four markers is missing from their own context.
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
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
Cross-references
- Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!
- John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—
- Isaiah 33:6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.
- Proverbs 14:26 He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge.
- Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.
- Nehemiah 5:9 So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies?
- Psalms 86:11 Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.
- Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
- Acts 12:24 But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.
- Acts 16:5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.