Acts 6:7
What does Acts 6:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 6:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 6:7 means
As a direct result of this wise and Spirit-led organization, the message of God's Word continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew exceptionally large. Remarkably, even a substantial number of priests, who were traditionally part of the established religious system that often opposed Christian teaching, embraced and obeyed the Christian faith. This outcome demonstrates how resolving internal issues and allowing leaders to focus on their gifting can lead to exponential church growth and unexpected conversions, even among unlikely groups.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the word of God was increasing in power; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem became very great, and a great number of priests were in agreement with the faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the word of God did increase, and the number of the disciples did multiply in Jerusalem exceedingly; a great multitude also of the priests were obedient to the faith.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the word of the Lord increased: and the number of the disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great multitude also of the priests obeyed the faith.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the word ofGod increased; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was very greatly multiplied, and a great crowd of the priests obeyed the faith.
Context
This verse highlights the immediate positive consequences of the apostles' decision and the appointment of the seven men described in verses 3-6. It shifts from problem-solving to demonstrating the blessing and growth that followed. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of proper church organization and sets the stage for the individual ministry of Stephen, who was one of the newly appointed seven.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Chronicles 29:34
But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt-offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the priests had sanctified themselves; for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.
- Matthew 19:30
But many shall be last that are first; and first that are last.
- Acts 21:20
And they, when they heard it, glorified God; and they said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of them that have believed; and they are all zealous for the law:
- 2 Chronicles 30:24
For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the assembly for offerings a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the assembly a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:8
rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:
- Romans 1:5
through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake;
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