And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to skim over, but the verse highlights that even the religious establishment, the priests who were often adversaries, began to "obey the faith." This shows God's powerful work not just on the fringes, but right in the heart of the existing religious structure, transforming those who might have been expected to resist the most.
And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the resolution of an internal dispute over equitable distribution and the establishment of the first deacons, the church in Jerusalem experienced significant growth. This period of newfound harmony and renewed focus on ministry allowed the gospel's message to spread, leading to a remarkable increase not only in the general number of believers but also, astonishingly, among the priestly class.
It wasn't just numbers that grew; something deeper was expanding. What does it mean for the 'word of God' itself to increase?
The verse tells us "the word of God continued to increase." This isn't just about more people hearing it, but about the doctrine, the teachings, the very message of Christ, becoming more influential and widespread. Think of it like a seed that not only grows more plants but also produces stronger, healthier growth in each one.
More Than Just Numbers
This growth means the gospel message was becoming more deeply understood and more powerfully demonstrated in the lives of believers. It suggests a vibrant, expanding spiritual life within the early church, not just an addition of new members.
Divine Power at Work
This increase is attributed to God. Even as the church faced internal challenges (like the dispute in chapter 6), God's word continued to advance, showing His sovereign power to grow His kingdom.
Imagine the religious leaders of Jesus' day, the very ones who often opposed Him, suddenly embracing His message. This verse records just that – a surprising transformation.
The text highlights that 'a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.' This was no small thing. Priests were deeply embedded in the Old Covenant system, the temple rituals, and the Law. For them to become 'obedient to the faith' meant a profound shift:
Embracing the New Covenant
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This wasn't just about believing in Jesus; it was about submitting to a new reality revealed in Him. The 'faith' here represents the totality of Christian doctrine and the person of Christ. Their obedience signifies a willing submission to this new truth, even though it challenged their established roles and understanding.
Counteracting Opposition
Many commentators note that priests were often staunch opponents of Jesus and the early church. Their conversion, therefore, was a powerful testament to the gospel's ability to overcome even the most entrenched resistance. It demonstrated God's grace reaching into every level of society, including the religious elite.
Understand the original words
logos tou theou · Greek Noun phrase
The divinely inspired message of salvation through Jesus Christ, often personified as an active force that grows and advances.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A follower or learner of Jesus; one who adheres to his teaching and models their life after his.
pistis · Greek Noun
A submission of heart and life to the truth of the gospel; the act of believing in and relying upon Jesus Christ for salvation.
The conversion of many priests, mentioned in Acts 6:7, is particularly striking given that the priestly class was central to the Temple system that Jesus' ministry and teachings implicitly challenged. Their embrace of the 'faith' suggests a profound shift, possibly influenced by Stephen's controversial message that the old order was fading.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish preacher claiming to be the Messiah, is crucified by Roman authorities in Jerusalem. His followers believe he was resurrected.
c. 30-33 AD
Pentecost and the Early Church
The Holy Spirit empowers Jesus' disciples in Jerusalem, leading to the formation of the earliest Christian community. The Apostles preach Jesus' resurrection.
c. 34 AD— this verse
Selection of the Seven Deacons
A dispute over the fair distribution of resources to Hellenistic widows leads the Apostles to appoint seven men, including Stephen, to manage practical matters. This allows the Apostles to focus on prayer and teaching.
c. 34 AD
Stephen's Ministry and Martyrdom
Stephen, one of the seven, boldly preaches about Jesus in Jerusalem, challenging the Temple and Mosaic Law. He is accused of blasphemy and stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr.
c. 34-36 AD
Persecution and Spread of the Gospel
Following Stephen's death, intense persecution breaks out against the Jerusalem church, forcing many believers to scatter. However, this scattering leads to the gospel spreading to new regions.
This passage directly echoes the astonishment that even prominent leaders (like the priests in Acts 6) believed in Jesus, highlighting the powerful and surprising impact of the Gospel.
Romans 1:5This verse uses similar language, 'obedience of faith,' to describe submission to the Gospel message, providing a theological parallel to the priests' response in Acts 6.
Hebrews 8:13The commentary suggests Stephen's teaching, which anticipated the obsolescence of the Old Covenant, influenced the priests. This passage speaks to the fading nature of the old covenant and the establishment of a new one, which likely resonated with their understanding.
Acts 4:4This verse mentions that 'many of those who heard the word believed,' showing a recurring pattern of widespread belief following apostolic preaching, similar to the growth seen in Acts 6.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29Paul highlights that God often chooses the seemingly unlikely to show His power. This passage provides a theological framework for understanding why God would call a 'great company of priests,' who might have been considered influential or unlikely converts, to Himself.
ellicottActs 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."
(7) The word of God increased. —The tense indicates gradual and continuous growth. The fact stated implies more than the increase of numbers specified in the next clause. The “word of God” is here the whole doctrine of Christ as preached by the Apostles, and, we must now add, by the Seven who are commonly known as Deacons, and…
calvinActs 6:7-10: "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."
- Furthermore, the word of God grew, and the number of the disciples increased greatly at Jerusalem, and a great company of the priests obeyed the faith. 8. And Stephen, full of faith and power, wrought wonders and great signs amongst the people. 9. But there arose certain of the synagogue, which was called the synagogue o…
It's easy to skim over, but the verse highlights that even the religious establishment, the priests who were often adversaries, began to "obey the faith." This shows God's powerful work not just on the fringes, but right in the heart of the existing religious structure, transforming those who might have been expected to resist the most.
Following the resolution of an internal dispute over equitable distribution and the establishment of the first deacons, the church in Jerusalem experienced significant growth. This period of newfound harmony and renewed focus on ministry allowed the gospel's message to spread, leading to a remarkable increase not only in the general number of believers but also, astonishingly, among the priestly class.
Following the resolution of an internal dispute over equitable distribution and the establishment of the first deacons, the church in Jerusalem experienced significant growth. This period of newfound harmony and renewed focus on ministry allowed the gospel's message to spread, leading to a remarkable increase not only in the general number of believers but also, astonishingly, among the priestly class.
"And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith." — It's easy to skim over, but the verse highlights that even the religious establishment, the priests who were often adversaries, began to "obey the faith." This shows God's powerful work not just on t…
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Last reviewed October 2026