Acts 9 31

Acts 9:31 kjv

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea 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.

Acts 9:31 nkjv

Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

Acts 9:31 niv

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

Acts 9:31 esv

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

Acts 9:31 nlt

The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.

Acts 9 verses

Acts 9 31 Meaning

Acts 9:31 describes a pivotal period for the early Christian community after Saul's conversion and departure from Jerusalem. During this time, the Church across Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a significant season of peace, allowing it to consolidate and strengthen spiritually. This internal growth, marked by reverent obedience to God and the comforting empowerment of the Holy Spirit, resulted in its numerical expansion. The verse illustrates how divine favor provides seasons of tranquility for the church's health and propagation.

Acts 9 31 Context

Acts 9:31 serves as a summarizing statement and a significant transitional point in the Book of Acts. Immediately preceding it, the narrative focuses on the dramatic conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-19) and his initial, albeit controversial, ministry in Damascus and Jerusalem (Acts 9:20-29). Saul's ardent persecution of believers ceased with his conversion, and his subsequent departure to Tarsus (Acts 9:30) removed a major external pressure on the nascent Church. This period of peace allowed the early Christian movement, which was still largely Jewish in composition and geographic focus, to consolidate its spiritual gains and prepare for the next phase of its mission—the significant expansion into Gentile lands, primarily through Peter's ministry (Acts 9:32-43; 10) and later through Paul. Historically, this brief respite provided by the cessation of intense localized persecution allowed the nascent faith to internally strengthen its communities and leadership.

Acts 9 31 Word analysis

• Then (οὖν - oun): This connective particle indicates a logical consequence or a summary, often signaling a new development based on what just transpired. Here, it signifies a transition following the events of Saul's conversion and departure, leading to a period of calm for the Church.
• the church (ἡ ἐκκλησία - hē ekklēsia): The predominant and most reliable ancient Greek manuscripts support the singular form, "the church," rather than the plural "churches" (which is found in later manuscripts that form the basis for the KJV). This singular noun emphasizes the essential unity of all believers scattered across various regions—Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria—as one collective body of Christ, even if meeting in diverse local congregations. It speaks to a shared identity and mission.
• throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria: These regions delineate the primary Jewish homelands and the Samaritan territory adjacent to them. The scope illustrates the widespread growth of the early Church beyond Jerusalem, reflecting Jesus' mandate in Acts 1:8, to be His witnesses in "Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
• had peace (εἶχεν εἰρήνην - eichen eirēnēn): "Peace" (eirēnē) refers not only to the cessation of outward persecution or conflict but also to an internal state of tranquility, harmony, and well-being. This divinely granted respite was crucial for the Church to grow and mature without constant external pressure. It signifies God's providential care over His people.
• and was built up (οἰκοδομουμένη - oikodomoumenē): From oikodomeō, meaning "to build a house" or "to construct." Here, it signifies spiritual edification, strengthening, and internal growth. The Church was maturing in its faith, organization, doctrine, and fellowship, becoming more firmly established and robust. This speaks to qualitative, not just quantitative, growth.
• and walking (πορευομένη - poreuomenē): The present participle implies continuous action and denotes a manner of life or conduct. It describes the ongoing, active way the believers lived out their faith. It is not a static state but an active, daily journey.
• in the fear of the Lord (τῷ φόβῳ τοῦ κυρίου - tō phobō tou kyriou): "Fear of the Lord" (phobos kyriou) signifies a profound reverence, awe, and submission to God, acknowledging His supreme authority and holiness. It leads to obedience, worship, and ethical conduct. This fear is a holy reverence that precludes flippancy or disobedience and is often presented as the beginning of wisdom in Old Testament writings (e.g., Prov 9:10, Psa 111:10). It demonstrates the spiritual quality of the believers' lives.
• and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit (καὶ τῇ παρακλήσει τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος - kai tē paraklēsei tou Hagiou Pneumatos): "Comfort" (paraklēsis) is a rich term, encompassing encouragement, exhortation, consolation, and strength. The Holy Spirit acts as the Paraclete (Helper, Advocate), providing inner strength, assurance, guidance, and sustaining power to believers, enabling them to persevere and witness effectively. This emphasizes the vital role of the Spirit in the internal life and expansion of the Church.
• it multiplied (ἐπληθύνετο - eplēthyneto): From plēthynō, meaning "to increase in number." This denotes numerical growth, an increase in membership. This outcome is presented as a direct result of the Church's internal health, the prevailing peace, its holy conduct, and the Spirit's comfort. It demonstrates the vitality and divine blessing upon the Church's mission.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then had the church rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria": This phrase signals a period of reprieve and geographical expansion of spiritual influence. The peace was widespread across major regions, indicating that the initial Jewish Christian movement was taking root broadly, beyond its Jerusalem origins.
• "and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost": These interconnected phrases highlight the internal dynamics and spiritual qualities of the church during its period of peace. "Edified" signifies growth in depth and maturity. This qualitative growth was directly linked to their "walking in the fear of the Lord," reflecting their obedient and reverent lifestyle, and the enabling "comfort of the Holy Spirit," which provided inner strength, guidance, and consolation. This shows that internal spiritual health precedes and enables external growth.
• "were multiplied": This phrase indicates the external, numerical consequence of the Church's internal spiritual state. The period of peace, combined with a spiritually mature and obedient community, empowered by the Spirit, naturally led to the expansion of its numbers through evangelism and conversion. It showcases the divine blessing on a healthy church.

Acts 9 31 Bonus section

This verse subtly showcases Luke's recurring theological emphasis throughout Acts: the sovereign hand of God guiding the growth of the Church. The "rest" or "peace" was not coincidental but providential, removing an immediate threat (Saul as a persecutor) to allow for a necessary period of internal fortification. This peace was not passive; it facilitated the church's active "walking in the fear of the Lord" and their responsiveness to the "comfort of the Holy Spirit," which in turn catalyzed their multiplication. It's a testament to the fact that when believers walk in spiritual integrity and depend on the Spirit, the Church expands even in varied and challenging circumstances. This summary verse sets the stage for the narrative's continued expansion into broader geographical and ethnic territories, beginning with Peter's vision and ministry to Gentiles in the next chapter. It's a transition point, highlighting that before the apostles went further out, the existing body needed to be solidified and grounded.

Acts 9 31 Commentary

Acts 9:31 succinctly captures the organic health and growth of the early Church following a period of intense persecution, which notably subsided with Saul's conversion and removal. This verse outlines a cyclical model of church health: external peace, even if temporary, allows for vital internal consolidation and edification. This internal strengthening, characterized by deep reverence for God and active dependence on the Holy Spirit's empowerment, naturally leads to external multiplication—an increase in believers. The unity of "the church" across broad regions—Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria—highlights its cohesive nature as one body. The verse emphasizes that genuine church growth (multiplication) is an overflow of profound spiritual health, expressed in holy living ("walking in the fear of the Lord") and empowered by the divine presence ("comfort of the Holy Spirit"). It underscores that numerical growth is often a fruit of spiritual depth, God's providential peace, and obedience rather than solely human effort. A practical lesson is that fostering spiritual well-being, discipleship, and reliance on the Holy Spirit are fundamental prerequisites for sustained outreach and increase in the Christian community.