Acts 6:7
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)
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It's incredible that a "great company of priests," who were leaders in the old system, actually embraced the new faith. This wasn't just a few people; it signifies a major shift, showing the gospel's power to overcome even the most entrenched religious structures and expectations.
Following the establishment of the seven deacons to ensure fair distribution and address a dispute, the church in Jerusalem experiences a remarkable surge. This expansion wasn't just in numbers, but in influence, as the message of Jesus gained traction even among the religious elite, a group previously considered unlikely converts. The growth culminates in a significant number of priests embracing the new faith, marking a pivotal moment of divine impact within the heart of Jewish religious life.
Have you ever seen a small seed grow into a mighty tree? That's what was happening in Jerusalem, but with something even more powerful: God's Word.
A Ripple Effect
The verse paints a picture of dynamic growth. It's not just that the number of believers increased; it's that the 'word of God' itself increased. This means the message of Jesus was spreading further and deeper than ever before.
More Than Just Numbers
Think of it like this:
This wasn't just about adding names to a list; it was about lives being transformed by the truth. The 'multiplying' of disciples was a direct result of this growing power of God's message.
Imagine the biggest skeptics suddenly becoming believers. That's exactly what happened with a significant group of priests in Jerusalem!
An Astonishing Conversion
This is one of the most striking parts of the verse: 'a great company of the priests became obedient to the faith.' Priests were central to the Jewish religious system that Jesus and his followers were challenging.
Why This Was So Remarkable
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 a great many priests is a significant event because they were a central part of the Jewish religious establishment that largely opposed Jesus and his followers.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus and Pentecost
The foundational events of Christianity occur in Jerusalem with the crucifixion of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, marking the birth of the Church.
c. 30-34 AD
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The Jerusalem church experiences rapid growth but also faces initial persecution from Jewish authorities, leading to the scattering of some believers.
c. 34 AD
Stoning of Stephen
Stephen, one of the Hellenist deacons, is martyred after a powerful defense of his faith, escalating tensions between the early believers and the Jewish leadership.
c. 34 AD
Appointment of the Seven Deacons
To address logistical needs and ensure fair distribution of aid, the apostles appoint seven men, including Stephen, to serve the growing community.
c. 34-36 AD
This passage describes how many of the Jewish leaders actually believed in Jesus but, out of fear, did not openly confess Him. It shows that internal belief, even among the religious elite, was present, which sets the stage for the priests' eventual obedience in Acts 6.
Romans 1:5Paul speaks of 'obedience of faith' among all nations. This echoes the priests in Acts 6 becoming 'obedient to the faith,' highlighting that submission to God's revealed truth through Christ is a central theme across the New Testament.
Hebrews 8:13The author of Hebrews explains that the old covenant was growing obsolete and will soon vanish away. This theological concept, likely taught by figures like Stephen, would have directly impacted the priests, giving them a new understanding of God's plan and potentially drawing them to the new faith.
Matthew 13:31-32The parable of the mustard seed illustrates how the Kingdom of God, starting small, grows and expands. This directly parallels the 'increasing word of God' and multiplying disciples mentioned in Acts 6:7.
Acts 2:41This verse records a massive number of conversions (about 3,000) on the day of Pentecost. Acts 6:7 shows the continued, powerful growth of the church even in its early stages within Jerusalem, building upon that initial explosion of faith.
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 incredible that a "great company of priests," who were leaders in the old system, actually embraced the new faith. This wasn't just a few people; it signifies a major shift, showing the gospel's power to overcome even the most entrenched religious structures and expectations.
Following the establishment of the seven deacons to ensure fair distribution and address a dispute, the church in Jerusalem experiences a remarkable surge. This expansion wasn't just in numbers, but in influence, as the message of Jesus gained traction even among the religious elite, a group previously considered unlikely converts. The growth culminates in a significant number of priests embracing the new faith, marking a pivotal moment of divine impact within the heart of Jewish religious life.
Following the establishment of the seven deacons to ensure fair distribution and address a dispute, the church in Jerusalem experiences a remarkable surge. This expansion wasn't just in numbers, but in influence, as the message of Jesus gained traction even among the religious elite, a group previously considered unlikely converts. The growth culminates in a significant number of priests embracing the new faith, marking a pivotal moment of divine impact within the heart of Jewish religious life.
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Increased Christian Growth and Priestly Conversions
Despite ongoing challenges, the Word of God spreads effectively in Jerusalem, leading to a significant increase in disciples, including a large number of priests.
c. 36 AD onwards
Saul's Persecution and Conversion
Saul of Tarsus, a fervent opponent of the early church, becomes a key persecutor, but later experiences a dramatic conversion that transforms him into a powerful apostle.
"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 incredible that a "great company of priests," who were leaders in the old system, actually embraced the new faith. This wasn't just a few people; it signifies a major shift, showing the gospel's…
