Book of Acts - Chapter 9 - Verse 31

During this period in the early days of the church, there was a time of peace and growth across the regions of Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria. The churches were able to rest from persecution and were able to focus on building up their faith. The believers were strengthened in the teachings of the Lord and they walked in reverence and awe of Him. The comfort and guidance of the Holy Spirit were evident among the believers, leading to their spiritual growth and maturity. As a result, the churches multiplied and continued to spread the message of the gospel to others. This period of rest and edification was crucial in the early development of the church, allowing for the believers to become stronger in their faith and more effective in their mission to share the good news with others.

One theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the idea of the early churches experiencing a period of rest and growth after facing persecution. The mention of Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria highlights the widespread nature of this peace, indicating that the work of the early Christians was not limited to a specific region. The concept of being edified suggests that the churches were being strengthened and built up in their faith during this time of peace. The phrase "walking in the fear of the Lord" emphasizes the reverence and respect the believers had for God, while "in the comfort of the Holy Ghost" alludes to the guidance and empowerment provided by the Holy Spirit. This support from the Holy Spirit enabled the churches to not only survive but to thrive, resulting in their multiplication. Overall, this verse showcases the importance of faith, unity, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in the growth and preservation of the early Christian communities.