βAnd when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldnessβΒ (ActsΒ 4:31).
Despite the persecution, the Word of God will beΒ proclaimed, it willΒ grow, it willΒ multiply, and it willΒ prevail!
In chapter 3, Apostles Peter and John heal the lame man who has sat at the Temple gate for many years. Peter begins to deliver his second sermon in Jerusalem, urging apostate Israel to repent and prepare for (resurrected) Jesus Christβs return. As chapter 4 opens, the nationβs religious leaders are very displeased to hear about the Lord Jesus. They imprison Peter and John, releasing them after threatening them and telling themΒ notΒ to preach at all in Jesusβ name. Todayβs Scripture is believing Israelβs prayer to God that they might speak His Word with confidence in the midst of mistreatment.
We read in Acts 6:7, several months later:Β βAnd the word of GodΒ increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.βΒ Once chapter 12 begins, King Herod kills the Apostle James brother of John. He is trying to silence Godβs message by slaying Godβs messenger. As prideful Herod gives a speech,Β βimmediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten with worms, and gave up the ghostβΒ (Acts 12:23). In contrast to itsΒ now-deceasedΒ opponent,Β βButΒ the word of God grew and multipliedβΒ (Acts 12:24). Describing the Apostle Paulβs Gentile ministry out in modern Turkey, far from Jerusalem, ActsΒ 19:20Β says:Β βSoΒ mightily grewΒ the word of God andΒ prevailed.βΒ These pagans gave up their witchcraft and other occult practices, and they embraced sound Bible doctrine!
While Satan throughout the Book of Acts tried his absolute best to stamp out Godβs Word, to prevent it from spreading, he failed. ItΒ βprevailed.βΒ However, he is active today, 20 centuries later, still tirelessly opposing it via governmental oppression and corrupting it through religious tradition. As Acts demonstrates, however, he is fighting a losing battle! Praise the Lord! Like before,Β βsoΒ mightily grewΒ the word of God andΒ prevailed!β source
