Acts 6:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the word
G3056
λόγος
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
3 of 23
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ηὔξανεν
increased
G837
ηὔξανεν
increased
Strong's:
G837
Word #:
6 of 23
to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
14 of 23
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
σφόδρα
greatly
G4970
σφόδρα
greatly
Strong's:
G4970
Word #:
15 of 23
of uncertain derivation) as adverb; vehemently, i.e., in a high degree, much
πολύς
a great
G4183
πολύς
a great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
16 of 23
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ὄχλος
company
G3793
ὄχλος
company
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
18 of 23
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπήκουον
were obedient
G5219
ὑπήκουον
were obedient
Strong's:
G5219
Word #:
21 of 23
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
Cross References
Acts 19:20So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.Acts 12:24But the word of God grew and multiplied.Colossians 1:6Which 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:Hebrews 5:9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.Romans 1:5By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:Romans 16:26But 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:
Historical Context
Many priests served only during their assigned courses (Luke 1:8-9), living throughout Judea. Their conversion was remarkable given the high priest's opposition to Christianity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does resolving internal church conflicts affect external witness?
- What does priests' conversion teach about the gospel's power to reach religious professionals?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'The word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied' - resolution of internal conflict enabled external growth. 'A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith' shows the gospel penetrating even religious leadership. Internal health promotes external witness.