The passage Acts 9:31 is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, marking a significant turning point in the early Christian church. To delve into its meaning, let’s first examine the Greek text and then explore its implications within the broader biblical context.
Acts 9:31, in the Greek, reads:
Ἡ ἐκκλησία οὖν καθ’ ὅλης τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ Γαλιλαίας καὶ Σαμαρείας εἶχεν εἰρήνην, οἰκοδομουμένη καὶ πορευομένη ἐν φόβῳ τοῦ Κυρίου καὶ τηρεῖσα παρακλήσεως τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος, πληθυνόμενη.
Translating this verse yields:
“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”
The key elements of this verse can be unpacked as follows:
Ἡ ἐκκλησία (The Church): The term “church” here refers to the community of believers. After the persecution that followed Stephen’s death and Saul’s (later Paul’s) attempts to destroy the church, the community experienced a period of peace. This peace was not just the absence of conflict but also a sense of spiritual well-being and harmony.
εἶχεν εἰρήνην (Had Peace): The Greek word “εἰρήνην” (eirēnēn) denotes peace, which in the biblical sense often means more than just the absence of war. It encompasses a state of wholeness, completeness, and tranquility. This peace was a result of the church’s reliance on God and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
οἰκοδομουμένη (Being Built Up): The verb “οἰκοδομουμένη” (oikodomoumenē) indicates that the church was in a process of edification or being built up. This refers to spiritual growth and strengthening, likely due to effective teaching, fellowship, and the ministry of the apostles and other leaders.
πορευομένη ἐν φόβῳ τοῦ Κυρίου (Walking in the Fear of the Lord): The phrase “πορευομένη ἐν φόβῳ τοῦ Κυρίου” suggests a lifestyle characterized by reverence and awe for God. This “fear” is not about being terrified but about having a deep respect for God’s power, wisdom, and love, which motivates believers to live according to His will.
τηρεῖσα παρακλήσεως τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος (In the Comfort of the Holy Spirit): The term “τηреῖσα” (tēreisa) means to enjoy or partake of something. Here, it refers to the comfort or encouragement provided by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s comfort is not just emotional solace but also empowerment for living a life that pleases God.
πληθυνόμενη (It Multiplied): The church’s experience of peace, edification, reverence for the Lord, and comfort from the Holy Spirit resulted in numerical growth (“πληθυνόμενη” - it multiplied). This growth is a testament to the effectiveness of the gospel message and the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of believers.
In summary, Acts 9:31 provides a snapshot of the early Christian church experiencing a period of peace, spiritual growth, and numerical increase. This was made possible by the believers’ walk with the Lord, their fear of (reverence for) God, and their reliance on the comfort and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The passage underscores the importance of these elements for the health, growth, and vitality of the church, offering valuable insights for Christian communities today.
FAQ Section:
What does Acts 9:31 indicate about the state of the early Christian church?
+Acts 9:31 indicates that the early Christian church experienced a period of peace, was being built up spiritually, and was multiplying in number, all while walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
What does “walking in the fear of the Lord” mean in this context?
+In this context, “walking in the fear of the Lord” refers to living a life characterized by reverence, respect, and awe for God, which motivates believers to follow His will and live according to His teachings.
What role does the Holy Spirit play according to Acts 9:31?
+The Holy Spirit provides comfort and encouragement to believers, empowering them to live a life that honors God and contributing to the spiritual growth and multiplication of the church.
