What is the meaning of Acts 19:20? So • The tiny word “So” ties verse 20 to the dramatic events in Ephesus just recorded (Acts 19:17-19). Fear of the Lord fell on the city, believers confessed hidden sins, and occult scrolls were burned. In light of that repentance, the narrative concludes, “So …” — meaning “therefore” or “as a result.” The verse is a summary statement, just as Acts 6:7 and 12:24 wrap up earlier progress reports. • We are reminded that whenever God’s people turn from sin, the Gospel gains fresh ground (2 Chron 7:14; Acts 3:19). the word of the Lord • Not human philosophy, but God’s own message—centered on the death and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Scripture treats this word as living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and enduring forever (1 Peter 1:25). Because it is literally God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), it carries divine authority every time it is preached. • In Ephesus the “word” had been proclaimed daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9-10), so both Jews and Greeks heard it plainly. powerfully • The advance of the Gospel is not weak or tentative; it comes “in power and in the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). • Paul described that same power when he wrote, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). • Miracles in Acts 19:11-12 and the shaming of the seven sons of Sceva (19:13-17) displayed God’s might, underscoring that the message, not the messenger, is what carries power (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). continued • The verb signals ongoing action. God’s work did not stall after the scroll-burning episode; it kept moving. • Luke likes to highlight this steady momentum: “And the Lord added to their number daily” (Acts 2:47) and “The churches… continued to increase” (Acts 16:5). • This assures believers today that the Lord who began a good work will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). to spread • The word “spread” pictures seed that keeps multiplying (Mark 4:8; Colossians 1:6). • In two years, “all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). That geographic expansion fulfills Jesus’ Great Commission to reach “all nations” (Matthew 28:19). • The Gospel is inherently outward-looking; when we share it, we align with its very nature. and prevail • Prevail speaks of victory. Despite opposition from idol-makers (Acts 19:23-27) and spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12), the Gospel overcame. • Jesus promised, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The reality in Ephesus proves His promise. • God always leads us “in triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14). His word never returns void but accomplishes His purpose (Isaiah 55:11). summary Acts 19:20 reports a literal, historical fact and a timeless principle. Because the living, authoritative word of the Lord was proclaimed, it kept advancing with divine power, spreading ever wider and defeating every rival. The same unchanging word still works the same way wherever believers repent, proclaim, and trust its unstoppable strength. |
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