“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 (KJV)
“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. And the number of believers greatly increased.”– Acts 9:31 (NLT)
“The church had a time of peace throughout the country. It grew in the fear of God and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. And it grew in numbers.”– Acts 9:31 (MSG)
What Does Acts 9:31 Mean?
Acts 9:31 is a significant verse that captures an important moment in the early church’s history. After a period of persecution, this verse tells us of a time of peace for the churches in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. The churches experienced rest, which implies a lull in the hostility that they often faced. This breather was not just a break from persecution, but a crucial moment for the believers to gather, strengthen their faith, and grow closer to one another. The verse suggests that during this period of tranquility, the church was not merely surviving, but thriving. It was edified, which means it was built up both spiritually and numerically.
We also note the two key phrases, “walking in the fear of the Lord” and “in the comfort of the Holy Ghost.” These phrases highlight the foundation upon which the early church was strengthened. The fear of the Lord speaks to a deep respect and reverence for God. Understanding His holiness and power helped the believers to live in a way that was pleasing to Him. Alongside this reverence, the comfort of the Holy Spirit provided encouragement, support, and empowerment to face challenges ahead. Together, these elements led to numerical growth, showing that healthy spiritual growth would often result in expansion.
Acts 9:31 Explanation and Commentary
In Acts 9:31, we see a beautiful picture of church growth and vitality. The text begins by stating that “the churches had rest.” This suggests that after a time of turmoil and persecution, peace was finally granted. It is important to remember that the church faced many hardships, and the world was often hostile towards their beliefs. Yet, this peace was a gift from God. As they found rest, believers could strengthen their faith. The encouragement from God allowed them to focus more on His word and the teachings that Jesus left behind.
Strengthening and spiritual growth are emphasized in the phrase “were edified.” This means that the believers were built up in their understanding of God and their relationships with one another. This was a time for discipleship, prayer, and community gathering. It was a time to teach and learn from one another. We can see a reflection of this community dynamic in passages like Matthew 18:20, where Jesus states, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” When we gather together in the name of Jesus, we experience his presence and build each other up.
The phrase “walking in the fear of the Lord” points us to an important aspect of our faith. It emphasizes that the early church lived with an awareness of God’s greatness. This doesn’t imply a fear that drives us away from God, but a reverence that draws us closer to Him. The believers understood the sacredness of their calling and sought to honor God with their lives. Proverbs 1:7 teaches us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” This principle remains true today. By living in awe of God, we gain wisdom and insight into how to navigate our lives in accordance with His will.
In addition to this fear, the comfort of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit played a vital role in empowering the church. The Holy Spirit is often referred to as the Comforter in the Bible. He provides guidance, strength, and peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We see from Acts 9:31 that this comfort led the believers to grow exponentially. The early church thrived not just because of their commitment but also because they relied on God’s presence and strength in their community.
Context of Acts 9:31
To understand the importance of Acts 9:31, we must consider its historical context. Before this verse, the church faced great persecution, especially under Saul, who later became Paul. After Saul’s conversion, there was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere surrounding believers. The events leading up to verse 31 involved God’s miraculous workings, including the healing of the paralytic and the raising of Tabitha by Peter. These acts of divine intervention encouraged the believers and demonstrated the power of God at work among them.
This was a time when the church was growing, with many new converts coming to faith, especially among the Gentiles. The peace described in Acts 9:31 laid the groundwork for expansion. The early church was at a crossroads, as it began to embrace more people from different backgrounds and cultures. This emphasis on unity and community was vital for the church’s mission as Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19-20 to “make disciples of all nations.” The rest provided believers not just a reprieve, but a unique opportunity to reach out and share the gospel further.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Acts 9:31
Acts 9:31 consists of three major components that together illustrate the church’s growth: the rest, edification, and multiplication of believers. The rest signifies a reprieve from adversity. In life, we all encounter periods of struggle. For the early church, this rest was a temporary blessing allowing them to regroup and refocus when the world around them felt tumultuous.
Edification speaks to the process of spiritual growth and strengthening. This community aspect of faith is essential, where individuals came together to encourage and teach one another. This can also remind us of Hebrews 10:24-25, where we are encouraged not to forsake gathering together, as it serves to spur one another towards love and good deeds.
Multiplication is a natural outflow of being built up in the faith. As the early church matured, new believers were added to their number. The work of the Holy Spirit stirred in people’s hearts, leading them to Christ. Spiritual growth often leads to evangelism when we are filled with joy and assurance from our faith.
Lessons to Learn From Acts 9:31
As we reflect on Acts 9:31, we can draw many valuable lessons. First, we should always prioritize our spiritual growth. Just as the early church focused on becoming stronger in their faith, we too should actively seek ways to grow our relationship with God. This may involve studying Scripture, engaging in prayer, or participating in community worship. Growth often happens within a community, so involvement in a local church or small group can provide the environment needed for strength.
Second, we are reminded of the importance of living with the fear of the Lord. This reverence goes hand in hand with love and trust in God. As we grow in our understanding of God’s nature and character, we become more aware of how our choices affect our relationship with Him. Walking in this fear means acknowledging His presence in our daily lives and striving to live according to His will.
The comfort of the Holy Spirit is also a powerful takeaway. We can be assured that we are not alone in our spiritual journeys. God’s Spirit empowers us to face challenges and offers peace in uncertain times. It motivates us to uplift others around us, creating a cycle of encouragement that spreads throughout our communities. It is our responsibility to be vessels of this comfort for others, mirroring the love and encouragement we receive from God.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Acts 9:31 serves as an encouraging reminder of how God works in the spheres of life where we experience rest, growth, and community. Despite the difficulties faced, there exists a promise of strength and multiplication when we rely on Him. As we reflect on this verse, let us be inspired to actively seek growth and encourage others along the way. If you are looking for more insights and topics related to the Bible, consider exploring other biblical passages. Each verse has its unique message to share!