Acts 16:5
New International Version
So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

New Living Translation
So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day.

English Standard Version
So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

Berean Standard Bible
So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

Berean Literal Bible
So indeed the churches were strengthened in the faith and were increasing in number every day.

King James Bible
And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

New King James Version
So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

New American Standard Bible
So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.

NASB 1995
So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.

NASB 1977
So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.

Legacy Standard Bible
So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were abounding in number daily.

Amplified Bible
So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they continually increased in number day after day.

Christian Standard Bible
So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in number daily.

American Standard Version
So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Contemporary English Version
The churches became stronger in their faith, and each day more people put their faith in the Lord.

English Revised Version
So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew in numbers every day.

Good News Translation
So the churches were made stronger in the faith and grew in numbers every day.

International Standard Version
So the churches continued to be strengthened in the faith and to increase in numbers every day.

Majority Standard Bible
So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

NET Bible
So the churches were being strengthened in the faith and were increasing in number every day.

New Heart English Bible
So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Webster's Bible Translation
And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Weymouth New Testament
So the Churches went on gaining a stronger faith and growing in numbers from day to day.

World English Bible
So the assemblies were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
then, indeed, were the assemblies established in the faith, and were abounding in number every day;

Berean Literal Bible
So indeed the churches were strengthened in the faith and were increasing in number every day.

Young's Literal Translation
then, indeed, were the assemblies established in the faith, and were abounding in number every day;

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore truly the churches were rendered firm in faith, and abounded in number daily.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the churches were confirmed in faith, and increased in number daily.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And certainly, the Churches were being strengthened in faith and were increasing in number every day.

New American Bible
Day after day the churches grew stronger in faith and increased in number.

New Revised Standard Version
So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers daily.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And so the churches were established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yet the churches were established in the faith and growing in numbers everyday.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Therefore, the churches were established in the faith, and they increased in number daily.

Godbey New Testament
Then the churches were indeed strengthened in faith, and abounded in number daily.

Haweis New Testament
Then were the churches established truly in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Mace New Testament
thus were the churches established in the faith, and daily grew more numerous.

Weymouth New Testament
So the Churches went on gaining a stronger faith and growing in numbers from day to day.

Worrell New Testament
So the assemblies were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.

Worsley New Testament
And so the churches were established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
4As they went from town to town, they delivered the decisions handed down by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers. 6After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia.…

Cross References
Acts 2:47
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 9:31
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 12:24
But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.

Acts 19:20
So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail.

Colossians 2:7
rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Ephesians 4:15-16
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. / From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.

1 Thessalonians 3:12
And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows,

2 Thessalonians 1:3
We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7
I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

Romans 1:8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world.

1 Timothy 3:15
in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Isaiah 60:22
The least of you will become a thousand, and the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it quickly.


Treasury of Scripture

And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

so.

Acts 15:41
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

2 Chronicles 20:20
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

Isaiah 7:9
And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

increased.

Acts 2:47
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 4:4
Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Acts 5:14
And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Jump to Previous
Abounding Assemblies Churches Confirmed Daily Established Faith Gaining Grew Growing Increased Increasing Indeed Numbers Strengthened Strong Stronger
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Abounding Assemblies Churches Confirmed Daily Established Faith Gaining Grew Growing Increased Increasing Indeed Numbers Strengthened Strong Stronger
Acts 16
1. Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,
7. and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,
14. convert Lydia,
16. and cast out a spirit of divination;
19. for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.
25. The prison doors are opened.
31. The jailor is converted,
35. and they are delivered.














So the churches were strengthened in the faith
This phrase indicates a period of spiritual growth and maturity for the early Christian communities. The strengthening of faith suggests that the teachings of the apostles, particularly Paul and his companions, were effective in deepening the believers' understanding and commitment to the gospel. This aligns with the broader narrative of Acts, where the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles to preach and teach with authority (Acts 1:8). The strengthening of faith can also be seen as a fulfillment of Jesus' promise that He would build His church (Matthew 16:18). The use of the plural "churches" indicates that this was not limited to a single congregation but was a widespread phenomenon across different regions, likely including areas like Galatia, Phrygia, and Macedonia, where Paul traveled during his missionary journeys.

and grew daily in numbers
The growth in numbers reflects the dynamic and expanding nature of the early church. This numerical increase is a testament to the effectiveness of evangelism and the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting hearts and drawing people to Christ. It echoes the pattern seen earlier in Acts, where the church experienced rapid growth following Peter's sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:41, 47). The daily growth suggests a continuous and sustained movement, not just sporadic conversions. This growth can be seen as a fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where Jesus instructed His disciples to make disciples of all nations. The phrase also highlights the communal aspect of the early church, where new believers were integrated into a supportive and nurturing community, contributing to both spiritual and numerical growth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul and Silas
Key figures in the missionary journey, spreading the Gospel and strengthening the early church.

2. Timothy
A young disciple who joined Paul and Silas on their journey, contributing to the growth and encouragement of the churches.

3. Churches in the region
Refers to the early Christian communities in areas like Derbe, Lystra, and beyond, which were being strengthened and growing.

4. Missionary Journey
The second missionary journey of Paul, during which he revisited churches to encourage and strengthen them.

5. Holy Spirit's Guidance
The Spirit's role in directing the missionaries' path and empowering their ministry.
Teaching Points
Strengthening in Faith
The importance of nurturing and deepening one's faith through teaching, fellowship, and the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Church Growth
Growth in numbers should be accompanied by spiritual maturity and unity within the church community.

Role of Leadership
Effective church leaders, like Paul, Silas, and Timothy, are crucial for guiding and encouraging believers.

Daily Commitment
The phrase "grew daily" highlights the need for consistent, daily commitment to spiritual growth and evangelism.

Holy Spirit's Role
Recognize and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance in ministry and personal spiritual growth.Verse 5. - So for and so, A.V.; the Churches were strengthened for were the Churches established, A.V. In number; i.e. in the number of their members (comp. Acts 2:47; Acts 5:14; Acts 6:7; Acts 11:21). For the phrase, Ἐστερεοῦντο τῇ πίστει, "They were made firm in the faith," comp. Colossians 2:5, Τὸ στερέωμα τῆς εἰς Ξριστὸν πίστεως ὑμῶν, "The steadfastness of your faith." The word is used in its physical sense in Acts 3:7, Ἐστερεώθησαν αὐτοῦ αἱ βάσεις κ.τ.λ., "His feet and anklebones received strength," became fast and firm instead of being loose and vacillating.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

the
Αἱ (Hai)
Article - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

churches
ἐκκλησίαι (ekklēsiai)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

were strengthened
ἐστερεοῦντο (estereounto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4732: To strengthen, confirm, establish, settle. From stereos; to solidify, i.e. Confirm.

in the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

faith
πίστει (pistei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

grew
ἐπερίσσευον (eperisseuon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4052: From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel.

daily
ἡμέραν (hēmeran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

in numbers.
ἀριθμῷ (arithmō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 706: A number, total. From airo; a number.


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NT Apostles: Acts 16:5 So the assemblies were strengthened (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 16:4
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