But the word of God continued to increase and spread.'—the final, crucial statement contrasts human power (Herod, defeated and dead) with divine power (the word, growing and multiplying). 'Word of God' (logos tou theou) is the gospel itself, a living, reproductive force. The verb 'increase and spread' (auxanō, 'grow'; dianomai, 'spread widely') reverses the persecution's attempted suppression.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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