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I. THE WORD WAS OPPOSED by —

1. Jewish prejudices.

2. Heathen superstitions.

3. Human learning.

4. Kingly cruelty.

5. The devil, by his influence on the hearts of men.

II. THIS DID NOT PREVENT ITS RAPID SUCCESS.

1. The Word is good seed.

2. This seed was sown by the apostles in prepared hearts.

3. When this seed takes root it produces holy tempers and actions.

III. THE PRINCIPAL CAUSES OF THIS SUCCESS.

1. The extraordinary gifts of the Spirit.

2. The burning zeal of the apostles.

3. Divine power.

4. Church unity.

5. Persecutions.

6. Prayer.

(Pulpit Sketches.)

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KJV: But the word of God grew and multiplied.

WEB: But the word of God grew and multiplied.