What is the meaning of Acts 16:5? So - This simple connective word links the verse tightly to the missionary activity that precedes it (Acts 16:1-4). - It signals that what follows is the direct outcome of Paul and Silas delivering the decrees from Jerusalem and revisiting congregations (compare Acts 15:30-31). - Scripture often uses “so” to highlight God-ordained cause and effect, as in Acts 2:41 – “those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand were added.” the churches - Plural, indicating multiple local bodies across the regions of Galatia and Phrygia just visited (Acts 16:6). - Each congregation matters to God; Revelation 1:11 shows Jesus addressing seven distinct churches by name. - The same Spirit unites them (1 Corinthians 12:13), yet Luke honors their individual identity and growth. were strengthened - “Strengthened” portrays an inner fortification, not mere numerical expansion. • Acts 15:32 – Judas and Silas “encouraged and strengthened the brothers with a lengthy message.” • Ephesians 3:16 – believers are “strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” - God’s Word delivered through faithful servants produces resilience against false teaching and persecution (Acts 14:22). in the faith - The definite article points to the objective body of truth revealed in Christ (Jude 3). - Growth begins with doctrinal solidity: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). - Luke shows that gospel clarity and church health are inseparable (Acts 2:42). and grew - Spiritual vitality overflows into outward increase. • Acts 9:31 – “the church...grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.” • Colossians 1:6 – the gospel “is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world.” - True growth is God-given (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) yet often accompanies obedient ministry strategies such as revisiting, teaching, and discipleship (Acts 16:4). daily - Continuous action; conversions were not sporadic. • Acts 2:47 – “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” • Luke 9:23 – Jesus calls for daily discipleship, and the Spirit answers with daily harvest. - Regular gospel proclamation and visible Christian community invite constant response. in numbers - Luke openly celebrates numerical increase without embarrassment. Souls matter to God (Luke 15:7). - Numbers testify to God’s saving power and validate the church’s witness (Acts 4:4). - Yet the order of the verse safeguards priorities: strength in the faith precedes arithmetic growth. summary Acts 16:5 shows that when churches hold fast to apostolic teaching, encourage one another, and stay mission-minded, God both deepens their faith and expands their reach. Spiritual stability and numerical multiplication are complementary gifts from the Lord who builds His church. |
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