Acts 19:20 – “In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is a summary statement of what was happening in Ephesus during Paul’s ministry. After dramatic events, such as the failed exorcism by the sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13-16) and the public burning of magic scrolls by new believers (Acts 19:18-19), Luke, the writer of Acts, gives us this powerful conclusion: the word of the Lord spread and grew in power.

This phrase means that the message of Jesus was not only being heard by more people, but it was also making a real impact in their lives. It wasn’t just intellectual knowledge—it was changing hearts, breaking the grip of sin, and leading to true repentance.

The phrase “grew in power” is significant. It shows that the gospel was not just being preached—it was proving itself to be true through transformed lives. The power of God was at work, setting people free from sin and bringing them into a new life in Christ.

Historical Context

Ephesus was one of the largest and most influential cities in the Roman Empire. It was a major religious center, known for the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was filled with idol worship, magic, and the occult.

Paul had been preaching in Ephesus for about two years (Acts 19:10), and during that time, he performed extraordinary miracles (Acts 19:11-12). Many people saw that Jesus had real power, leading them to reject their former ways and embrace the gospel.

The phrase “the word of the Lord spread” suggests that the movement of Christianity in Ephesus was unstoppable despite opposition. Even though some people resisted the gospel (as seen later in Acts 19:23-41 with the riot led by Demetrius), God’s truth was advancing.

Theological Implications

1. The Gospel Has Real Power – This verse reminds us that the message of Jesus is not just words—it carries power to transform lives. The gospel is not just another philosophy or religious idea; it is the truth that brings people out of darkness and into the light.
2. God’s Word Cannot Be Stopped – No matter how much opposition Christianity faces, God’s truth always prevails. Whether in Ephesus or today, the gospel continues to spread and change lives.
3. True Revival Brings Change – The spread of the gospel in Ephesus was marked by visible, life-changing actions. People repented, left behind their sinful practices, and openly declared their faith. This is what true spiritual revival looks like.

Literary Analysis

Acts 19:20 is a summary statement, which Luke often uses in Acts to highlight key moments when the gospel makes a significant impact. Similar statements appear in:

• Acts 6:7 – “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly…”
• Acts 12:24 – “But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.”
• Acts 13:49 – “The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.”

These phrases show that Christianity was not a passing movement—it was growing and could not be stopped.

The phrase “grew in power” is unique because it emphasizes not just numerical growth but spiritual effectiveness. The gospel was breaking the hold of false religion, changing lives, and proving itself to be true.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 55:11 – God’s word will not return empty but will accomplish its purpose.
• Matthew 24:14 – The gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes.
• Romans 1:16 – The gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe.
• Hebrews 4:12 – The word of God is alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword.
• Colossians 1:6 – The gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. God’s Word is Still Spreading – The same power that spread the gospel in Ephesus is still at work today. Christianity continues to grow in places where it was once unknown, proving that God’s truth is unstoppable.
2. The Gospel Changes Lives – The Christian message is not just about ideas—it brings real transformation. When people surrender to Jesus, they experience freedom from sin and a new life.
3. We Are Called to Share the Gospel – If the word of the Lord is to spread widely today, we must be willing to share it. God works through His people to spread His truth.
4. Spiritual Growth is an Ongoing Process – Just as the word of the Lord “grew in power” in Ephesus, it should be growing in our own lives. We should be maturing in our faith and seeing God’s power at work in us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows God’s love through His desire to spread the truth to as many people as possible. He doesn’t want anyone to remain in darkness—He wants everyone to hear the gospel and be saved (2 Peter 3:9).

God’s love is also seen in the transforming power of His Word. He doesn’t just give people rules to follow—He gives them a new heart and a new life through faith in Jesus.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The spread of God’s Word is ultimately about spreading the message of Jesus. Everything happening in Ephesus was pointing people to Christ as the one true Lord and Savior.

• Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commanded His followers to go and make disciples of all nations.
• John 8:32 – The truth of Jesus sets people free.
• Acts 1:8 – Jesus told His disciples they would receive power to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
• Colossians 2:15 – Jesus triumphed over the forces of darkness, just as the gospel triumphed in Ephesus.

The gospel’s growth in Ephesus was a preview of what Jesus is doing throughout the world today—calling people out of sin, breaking the power of false religions, and leading people into the truth.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse encourage you about the power of God’s Word in today’s world?
2. In what ways can you help spread the Word of the Lord where you are?
3. The gospel “grew in power” in Ephesus. How have you seen God’s Word grow in power in your own life?
4. Why do you think people in Ephesus responded so strongly to the gospel? What does this teach us about the importance of true repentance?
5. How does this passage challenge you to live in a way that reflects the transforming power of the gospel?