Growth That Prevailed

The third reference to the growth of God's word occurs at Acts 19:20:  "In a mighty way the word of Jehovah kept growing and prevailing."The original Greek word that is translated "prevailing" conveys the idea of "exerting strength." The preceding verses relate that many in Ephesus became believers, and a number who practiced magical arts burned their books before everybody.  Thus, God's word prevailed over false religious beliefs.  The good news also prevailed over other obstacles, such as persecution. Nothing could stop it. In this we again find a striking parallel to true Christianity in our time. 

The apostles and other early Christians proclaimed God's word with zeal. Concerning them, one Bible historian observed:  "When men have the will to speak of  their Lord, they find no shortage of ways in which to do it.  Indeed, It is the motivation of these men and women which impresses  us more than their methods." Still, those early Christians recognize that the success of their ministry did not depend on their efforts alone.  They had  a divine commission to carry on their work, and they had divine support to accomplish it. Spiritual growth come from God. The apostle Paul acknowledged this in his letter to the congregation in Corinth. He wrote:  "I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow.  For we are God's fellow workers." -1 Corinthians 3:6, 9. 

Next time: Holy Spirit at Work

From the Watchtower magazine, 2001