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.Acts 6:7 Additional Translations
Clarke's Commentary on the BibleThe word of God increased - By such preachers as the apostles and these deacons, no wonder the doctrine of God increased - became widely diffused and generally known; in consequence of which, the number of the disciples must be greatly multiplied: for God will ever bless his own word, when ministered by those whom he has qualified to proclaim it.
A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith - This was one of the greatest miracles wrought by the grace of Christ: that persons so intent on the destruction of Christ, his apostles, and his doctrine, should at last espouse that doctrine, is astonishing; and that they who had withstood the evidence of the miracles of Christ should have yielded to the doctrine of his death and resurrection, is worthy of note. And from this we may learn that it is not by miracles that sinners are to be converted unto God, but by the preaching of Christ dying for their offenses, and rising again for their justification.
Instead of ἱερεων, priests, a few MSS., and the Syriac, read Ιουδαιων, Jews; for the copyists seem to be struck here with two difficulties:
1. That such persons as these priests could be converted.
2. That the word οχλος, company, or multitude, could with propriety be applied to this class, which must have been inconsiderable in their numbers, when compared with the rest of the Jews.
To preserve the ancient reading, which is undoubtedly genuine, some have altered the text by conjecture; and, by putting a comma after οχλος, and a και before των ἱερεων, make the text read thus: And a great multitude, and some of the priests, were obedient to the faith. This conjecture is unnecessary, as there is no such difficulty here as to require so desperate an expedient, which is not recommended by the evidence of a single MS. or version.
1. The grace of Christ Jesus can save even a murderous Jewish priest: his death is a grand atonement for all crimes and for the worst of sinners.
2. In the twenty-four courses of priests, there was not a multitude merely, but multitudes: indeed the number of ecclesiastics at Jerusalem was enormous. A great company out of these might be converted, and yet multitudes be left behind.
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
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 to you, as it is in all the world; and brings forth fruit, as it does also in you, since the day you heard of it...
2 Timothy 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even to bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
the number.
Acts 21:20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said to him, You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe...
*Gr:
the priests.
2 Chronicles 29:34 But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: why their brothers the Levites did help them...
2 Chronicles 30:24 For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep...
Psalm 132:9,16 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; and let your saints shout for joy...
Matthew 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
Luke 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel...
John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him...
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...
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:
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him;
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out...
Acts 6:7 Parallel Commentaries
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 WordAgreement 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 WordTHE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica®.Acts 6:7 Mobile Bible
Acts 6:7 Bible Suite
Acts 6:7 Biblia Paralela
Acts 6:7 Chinese Bible
Bible Apps
Bible Hub
