Acts 6:7
New International Version
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

New Living Translation
So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Berean Literal Bible
And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplied exceedingly, and a great multitude of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

New American Standard Bible
The word of God kept spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

NASB 1995
The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

NASB 1977
And the word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the word of God kept on spreading, and the number of the disciples continued to multiply greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

Amplified Bible
And the message of God kept on growing and spreading, and the number of disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem; and a large number of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith [accepting Jesus as Messiah and acknowledging Him as the Source of eternal salvation].

Christian Standard Bible
So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
God's message spread, and many more people in Jerusalem became followers. Even a large number of priests put their faith in the Lord.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew very large. A large number of priests accepted the faith.

Good News Translation
And so the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew larger and larger, and a great number of priests accepted the faith.

International Standard Version
So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem continued to grow rapidly. Even a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Majority Standard Bible
So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.

NET Bible
The word of God continued to spread, the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

New Heart English Bible
The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem; and a large group of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
Meanwhile God's Message continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem very greatly increased, and very many priests obeyed the faith.

World English Bible
The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; a great multitude of the priests were also obedient to the faith.

Berean Literal Bible
And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplied exceedingly, and a great multitude of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

Young's Literal Translation
And 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.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the word of God increased: and the number of disciples was multiplied greatly in Jerusalem; and a great crowd of priests listened to the faith.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And 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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Word of the Lord was increasing, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem was multiplied exceedingly. And even a large group of the priests were obedient to the faith.

New American Bible
The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

New Revised Standard Version
The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the word of God spread; and the number of the converts in Jerusalem increased greatly; and many people of Jewish faith became converts.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the word of God was magnified and the number of the disciples was multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and many people of the Judeans were obeying the faith.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was greatly multiplied; and a great multitude of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Godbey New Testament
And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied exceedingly in Jerusalem, and a great multitude of the priests were obedient unto the faith.

Haweis New Testament
And the word of God increased: and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplied greatly; and a vast body of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Mace New Testament
thus the word of God was spread; and the number of disciples encreased very much at Jerusalem; and a numerous body of priests embrac'd the faith.

Weymouth New Testament
Meanwhile God's Message continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem very greatly increased, and very many priests obeyed the faith.

Worrell New Testament
And the word of God was increasing, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was being multiplied exceedingly; a great multitude also of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

Worsley New Testament
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was greatly multiplied; and a great number of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Choosing of the Seven
6They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. 8Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.…

Cross References
Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Luke 24:47
and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.

Acts 2:41
Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.

Acts 4:4
But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

Acts 12:24
But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.

Acts 19:20
So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail.

Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Colossians 1:6
that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.

1 Thessalonians 1:8
For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more.

2 Timothy 2:9
for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Isaiah 2:3
And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Isaiah 55:11
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

Jeremiah 23:29
“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”

Daniel 12:3
Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

the word.

Acts 12:24
But the word of God grew and multiplied.

Acts 19:20
So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Colossians 1:6
Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

the number.

Acts 21:20
And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

the priests.

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 other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.

2 Chronicles 30:24
For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.

Psalm 132:9,16
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy…

obedient.

Romans 1:5
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Romans 16:26
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

2 Thessalonians 1:8
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

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Agreement Company Continued Disciples Exceedingly Faith God's Great Greatly Increase Increased Increasing Jerusalem Kept Large Meanwhile Message Multiplied Multiply Multitude Obedient Obeyed Power Priests Rapidly Spread Spreading Word
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Agreement Company Continued Disciples Exceedingly Faith God's Great Greatly Increase Increased Increasing Jerusalem Kept Large Meanwhile Message Multiplied Multiply Multitude Obedient Obeyed Power Priests Rapidly Spread Spreading Word
Acts 6
1. The apostles, desirous to have the poor cared for,
2. as also careful themselves to dispense the word of God, the food of the soul,
3. recommend,
5. and with the church's consent ordain seven chosen men to the office of deaconship.
7. The word of God prevails,
8. Stephen, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, confuting those with whom he disputed,
12. is brought before the council,
13. and falsely accused of blasphemy against the law and the temple.














So the word of God continued to spread
The phrase "the word of God" refers to the message of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for the salvation of mankind. In Greek, "word" is "logos," which signifies not just spoken words but the divine reason and creative order. The spreading of the "word of God" indicates the active and living nature of the Gospel, which is not static but dynamic, moving through the hearts and minds of people. Historically, this period in the early church was marked by a fervent evangelistic zeal, as the apostles and early Christians were empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach boldly. The phrase underscores the unstoppable nature of God's message, which transcends cultural and geographical barriers.

The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly
The term "disciples" in Greek is "mathētēs," meaning learners or followers. This indicates that those who were coming to faith were not merely converts but committed followers of Christ, dedicated to learning His teachings and living them out. The rapid increase in their number highlights the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in drawing people to Christ and the effectiveness of the apostles' ministry. Jerusalem, being the epicenter of Jewish religious life, was a significant location for this growth, as it fulfilled Jesus' command in Acts 1:8 to be His witnesses starting in Jerusalem. This growth also signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the gathering of God's people.

and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith
The mention of "priests" is particularly significant, as these were individuals deeply entrenched in the Jewish religious system. Their conversion to Christianity indicates a profound shift, as they recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The Greek word for "obedient" is "hypakouō," which means to listen attentively and to submit. This obedience to "the faith" suggests a complete transformation and acceptance of the Gospel message. Historically, this would have been a radical and courageous step, as it meant leaving behind established religious roles and facing potential persecution. Their conversion is a testament to the compelling truth of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in breaking down even the most resistant barriers.

(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 there was, as the sequel shows, at this stage, what we have learnt to call an expansion and development of doctrine.

A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.--The fact is every way significant. No priest is named as a follower of our Lord's. None, up to this time, had been converted by the Apostles. The new fact may fairly be connected with the new teaching of Stephen. And the main feature of that teaching was, as we shall see, an anticipation of what was afterwards proclaimed more clearly by St. Paul and (if we assign the Epistle to the Hebrews to its probable author) by Apollos: that the time for sacrifices had passed away, and that the Law, as a whole, and the ritual of the Temple in particular, were decaying and waxing old, and ready to vanish away (Hebrews 8:13). We might have thought this likely to repel the priests, and to rouse them to a fanatic frenzy. We find that it attracts them as nothing else had attracted. To them, it may well have been, that daily round of a ritual of slaughtered victims and clouds of incense, the cutting-up of the carcases and the carriage of the offal, had become unspeakably wearisome. They felt how profitless it was to their own spiritual life, how little power there was in the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin (Hebrews 10:4). Their profession of the new faith did not necessarily involve the immediate abandonment of their official function; but they were drifting to it as to a not far-off result, and were prepared to meet it without misgiving, perhaps with thankfulness, when it became inevitable.

Verse 7. - Exceedingly for greatly, A.V. Were obedient to the faith. Compare the phrase, obedience of faith or "to the faith" (Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25). The addition of a great multitude of priests was an important incident in the Church's history, both as they were a higher order of men, and a class very liable to be prejudiced against the faith which would rob them of their importance.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[So]
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

word
λόγος (logos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

continued to spread.
ηὔξανεν (ēuxanen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 837: (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge.

The
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

number
ἀριθμὸς (arithmos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 706: A number, total. From airo; a number.

of
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

disciples
μαθητῶν (mathētōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Jerusalem
Ἰερουσαλὴμ (Ierousalēm)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2419: Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.

grew
ἐπληθύνετο (eplēthyneto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4129: To increase, multiply. From another form of plethos; to increase.

rapidly,
σφόδρα (sphodra)
Adverb
Strong's 4970: Exceedingly, greatly, very much. Neuter plural of sphodros as adverb; vehemently, i.e. In a high degree, much.

and
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

a great
πολύς (polys)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

number
ὄχλος (ochlos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

of
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

priests
ἱερέων (hiereōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2409: A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest.

became obedient
ὑπήκουον (hypēkouon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5219: From hupo and akouo; to hear under, i.e. To listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority.

to the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

faith.
πίστει (pistei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.


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NT Apostles: Acts 6:7 The word of God increased and (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 6:6
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