Acts 12:24
What does Acts 12:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 12:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 12:24 means
In stark contrast to Herod’s demise, “the word of God grew and multiplied.” The gospel’s advance does not depend on favorable rulers; it thrives under God’s hand despite opposition. This summary statement echoes earlier growth notes in Acts, affirming that persecution, prayer, deliverance, and judgment all serve God’s saving purpose. The church may lose a James and see a Peter rescued, but the mission continues and expands. Earthly kings rise and fall; the message of Christ endures and spreads. The verse invites confidence: when God speaks, His word runs swiftly, creating life and adding many to the fellowship of believers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But the word of God grew and multiplied.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But the word of God grew and multiplied.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But the word of God grew and multiplied.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the word of the Lord went on increasing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the word of God did grow and did multiply,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But the word of the Lord increased and multiplied.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the word ofGod grew and spread itself.
Context
After narrating Herod’s death, Luke steps back to state the larger result: not political quiet, but spiritual increase. This provides the theological takeaway from the chapter’s events. With the scene in Jerusalem and Cæsarea resolved, the narrative is ready to reintroduce key missionaries. Verse 25 will bridge from the relief mission back to Barnabas and Saul, linking the Jerusalem story to the next phase of the gospel’s spread.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 54:14
In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression, for thou shalt not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near thee.
- Proverbs 28:28
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as alsoit iswith you;
- Isaiah 41:10
fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Daniel 2:24
Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon; he went and said thus unto him: Destroy not the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show unto the king the interpretation.
- Acts 6:7
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
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