Acts 9:31

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Αἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὲν

G3303

Then

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

οὖν

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐκκλησίαι

G1577

the churches

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

καθ'

G2596

throughout

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὅλης

G3650

all

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίας

G2449

Judaea

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

Γαλιλαίας

G1056

Galilee

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

Σαμαρείας

G4540

Samaria

samaria (i.e., shomeron), a city and region of palestine

#13

εἶχον

G2192

had

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#14

εἰρήνην

G1515

rest

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

#15

οἰκοδομουμέναι

G3618

and were edified

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

πορευομέναι

G4198

walking in

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

#18

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

φόβῳ

G5401

the fear

alarm or fright

#20

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

κυρίου

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

παρακλήσει

G3874

in the comfort

imploration, hortation, solace

#25

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

ἁγίου

G40

of the Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#27

πνεύματος

G4151

Ghost

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#28

ἐπληθύνοντο

G4129

were multiplied

to increase (transitively or intransitively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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