Sermons on Acts 9:31

Acts 9:31 Interpretation:

Transformative Faith: Saul's Journey and Our Call (Evangel Presbyterian Church) offers a detailed interpretation of Acts 9:31, emphasizing the summary nature of the verse as a status report on the church’s health and growth. The sermon notes the unusual use of the singular “church” by Luke, highlighting the unity of the body across regions. It draws attention to the passive voice (“was strengthened”) and present tense, suggesting ongoing divine activity—God as the primary agent of growth and edification. The preacher also explores the “fear of the Lord” as a positive, restraining, and wisdom-giving force, and the “comfort of the Holy Spirit” as the animating, empowering presence in the church. The analogy of the church as a building, with each member as a “living stone” (referencing 1 Peter), is used to illustrate the process of edification and growth.

Transformative Grace: Strength in Adversity and Inclusion (David Guzik) provides a unique perspective by identifying “four miracles” in the passage, the first being the church’s growth and vitality despite persecution. The sermon highlights the paradox of peace and edification amid ongoing opposition, challenging the assumption that peace means the absence of trouble. Guzik delves into the Greek word for “comfort” (paraklesis/paraclete), connecting it to Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit as Helper in John 14, and frames “fear of the Lord” and “comfort of the Holy Spirit” as essential, balancing dynamics in both congregational and individual Christian life. He uses the metaphor of “bookends” or “guardrails” to describe these two elements.

Edification and Multiplication: Strengthening the Church's Witness (MLJTrust) interprets Acts 9:31 as a description of the “ideal state” of the church, both corporately and individually. The sermon insists on the primacy of edification (being built up) as the necessary precursor to multiplication (growth in numbers), arguing that the church’s witness and effectiveness depend on its internal health. The preacher unpacks “edification” as a process of deepening knowledge, understanding, and experience of God’s grace, love, and ways, and “fear of the Lord” as reverential awe and accountability before God, not craven fear. The “comfort of the Holy Ghost” is described as both consolation and the active companionship of the Spirit, with an emphasis on not grieving or quenching Him.

Transformative Power of God's Grace and Peace (House of Hope Church, Texas) interprets Acts 9:31 as a testimony to God’s unique, transcendent ability to bring peace, growth, and transformation to the church—“only God can do it.” The preacher highlights the singular “church” in the Greek, emphasizing unity across regions, and frames the peace described as an inner calm and assurance that persists despite external persecution or adversity. The sermon also draws a direct line from the church’s experience of peace and growth to the sovereignty and grace of God, using the transformation of Saul as a paradigm for God’s power to change anyone.

Living Wisely: Embracing the Fear of the Lord (Desiring God) offers a nuanced interpretation of Acts 9:31 by exploring the paradoxical coexistence of fear and comfort in the Christian life. The sermon draws a unique analogy between the fear of the Lord and approaching a blazing fire, where God provides an "asbestos refuge" for believers—meaning that while God’s holiness is terrifying, those who take refuge in Him experience both trembling and joy. The preacher also references the Greek term for "fear" (phobos) and insists on retaining its full force, arguing against translations that soften it to "reverence." The sermon highlights that the fear of the Lord is not merely an Old Testament concept but is essential for Christian maturity, serving as a safeguard against arrogance and unbelief, and is a means by which God preserves His people.

The Transformative Power of the Fear of God (SermonIndex.net) interprets Acts 9:31 as describing a church that is both stabilized and made fruitful by a genuine, grace-enabled fear of God, which is distinct from servile or hypocritical fear. The preacher uses the analogy of "substance"—contrasting superficial, ritualistic fear with the tangible, experiential reality of God’s manifest presence. The sermon also references the Hebrew text in 2 Kings 17 to distinguish between superficial and authentic fear, emphasizing that the fear of God is not just an emotional state but a transformative encounter that cannot be shaken by life’s trials or the failures of others.

Anchored in Hope: Faith, Comfort, and Encouragement (SermonIndex.net) interprets Acts 9:31 as a model for ongoing spiritual progress, focusing on the dual movement of "going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit." The preacher introduces the metaphor of hope as an "anchor" cast within the veil, drawing from Hebrews 6, and applies it to the church’s experience of peace and growth. The fear of the Lord is interpreted not as terror but as a deep desire not to grieve God, while the comfort of the Holy Spirit is seen as the sustaining force that enables believers to persevere and increase.

Embracing the Fear of the Lord for Spiritual Growth (SermonIndex.net) interprets Acts 9:31 by drawing a vivid analogy between the fear of the Lord and the healthy respect a construction worker has for high-pressure gas lines and electrical cables—emphasizing that true fear is not about expecting punishment but about reverence and respect for God’s power and authority. The sermon also explores the tension between fear and comfort, arguing that only in God can these two coexist, and that walking in the fear of the Lord is the foundation for spiritual growth, maturity, and multiplication in the church.

Acts 9:31 Theological Themes:

Transformative Faith: Saul's Journey and Our Call (Evangel Presbyterian Church) introduces the theme of God’s ordinary providence working through means—God uses people (Saul, Ananias, Barnabas) as instruments for building up the church, but remains free to work above or against means. The sermon also explores the expectation of church growth as normative, rooted in God’s ongoing, active agency, and the necessity of “fear of the Lord” as a positive, formative force for holiness and obedience.

Transformative Grace: Strength in Adversity and Inclusion (David Guzik) presents the theme of paradoxical peace—true peace and edification are possible not in the absence of persecution, but in the midst of it. The sermon’s focus on the dual necessity of “fear of the Lord” and “comfort of the Holy Spirit” as balancing, essential dynamics in Christian life is a distinct theological contribution, as is the nuanced discussion of the Greek term paraklesis.

Edification and Multiplication: Strengthening the Church's Witness (MLJTrust) uniquely insists on the biblical and historical order: edification precedes multiplication. The sermon argues that the church’s internal health and spiritual maturity are prerequisites for effective evangelism and growth, and that the world’s judgment of God is mediated through the church’s visible life. The preacher also stresses the responsibility to “redeem the time” during periods of peace, using them for spiritual growth rather than complacency.

Transformative Power of God's Grace and Peace (House of Hope Church, Texas) adds the theme of God’s transcendence and sovereignty—only God can bring true peace and growth, and the church’s unity and expansion are direct results of divine initiative. The sermon also emphasizes the inclusivity of God’s grace, using Saul’s transformation as a model for the church’s openness to all, regardless of past sin.

Living Wisely: Embracing the Fear of the Lord (Desiring God) introduces the theme of "sweet trembling"—a redeemed, joyful fear that is not incompatible with assurance and comfort. The sermon uniquely frames the fear of the Lord as a means of perseverance, a necessary antidote to spiritual arrogance, and a safeguard against unbelief, integrating the doctrine of eternal security with the necessity of ongoing warnings and self-examination.

The Transformative Power of the Fear of God (SermonIndex.net) presents the theme that the fear of God is the "manifest presence" that grounds believers through all forms of shaking—personal, communal, or historical. The preacher adds the distinctive idea that the fear of God is part of the very constitution of Christ (citing Isaiah 11), and that those who fear God are entrusted with the "secrets" of His covenant, making fear not just a duty but a privilege and a source of intimacy with God.

Anchored in Hope: Faith, Comfort, and Encouragement (SermonIndex.net) develops the theme that the comfort of the Holy Spirit is not merely emotional relief but the practical empowerment to "go on" in the Christian life, especially after seasons of trauma or discouragement. The sermon also introduces the idea that encouragement and comfort are the primary ministries of the church, modeled after the ministry of Titus to Paul, and that the fear of the Lord is best understood as a desire not to grieve God rather than as dread of punishment.

Embracing the Fear of the Lord for Spiritual Growth (SermonIndex.net) advances the theme that the fear of the Lord is a restraining force that undergirds not only personal holiness but also the health of families, churches, and nations. The sermon uniquely applies Acts 9:31 to civic and cultural life, arguing that the decline of godly fear leads to societal decay, and that restoring the fear of God is the "cure" for many personal and communal problems.

Acts 9:31 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Transformative Faith: Saul's Journey and Our Call (Evangel Presbyterian Church) provides historical context by noting the compressed timeline in Acts, referencing Galatians 1:17-18 to clarify that several years pass between Saul’s conversion and his ministry in Jerusalem. The sermon also explains the significance of Barnabas’ role as a respected mediator, and the cultural suspicion toward Saul among early Christians due to his past persecution.

Transformative Grace: Strength in Adversity and Inclusion (David Guzik) offers historical insight into the regions mentioned (Judea, Galilee, Samaria), noting that Acts provides little detail about church planting in Galilee, suggesting that much of God’s work went unrecorded. The sermon also explains the cultural stigma attached to tanners in Jewish society, highlighting Peter’s stay with Simon the Tanner as a significant step toward breaking traditional barriers.

Edification and Multiplication: Strengthening the Church's Witness (MLJTrust) discusses the historical context of persecution and the church’s response to a sudden period of peace. The preacher challenges the common assumption that persecution is always spiritually beneficial, arguing that the early church’s healthy response to peace—using it for edification—was the true norm, and that complacency in times of ease is a sign of spiritual immaturity.

Embracing the Fear of the Lord for Spiritual Growth (SermonIndex.net) provides detailed historical context for Acts 9:31, noting that the church’s peace followed a period of intense persecution under Saul (Paul) and preceded further persecution under Herod. The sermon also explains the geographical spread of the church from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and Galilee, likening it to regional expansion in modern terms. Additionally, the preacher references the historical role of the fear of God in the founding of the United States, citing early American constitutions and the influence of Christian leaders on public life, to illustrate how societal structures once depended on a shared reverence for God.

Acts 9:31 Cross-References in the Bible:

Transformative Faith: Saul's Journey and Our Call (Evangel Presbyterian Church) references multiple summary statements in Acts (2:46-47, 4:4, 4:32, 6:7) to show the pattern of church growth and unity. The sermon also cites 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (“encourage one another and build up one another”), 1 Peter 2:5 (believers as “living stones”), and Ephesians 4 (the body growing into Christ as the head) to support the idea of mutual edification and growth. Proverbs is referenced regarding the “fear of the Lord” as the beginning of wisdom, and 1 Samuel is mentioned to illustrate God honoring those who honor Him.

Transformative Grace: Strength in Adversity and Inclusion (David Guzik) cross-references John 14 (the Holy Spirit as paraclete/comforter), Acts 1:8 (the commission to spread the gospel), Mark 2 (Jesus healing the paralytic), and Mark 5/Luke 8 (Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter) to draw parallels between Jesus’ ministry and the apostles’ actions. The sermon also references Romans 5 and 6, and 1 Peter, in discussing the identity and calling of believers as saints.

Edification and Multiplication: Strengthening the Church's Witness (MLJTrust) references 1 Peter 2:9-11 (showing forth God’s praises), 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (praying for peace to live godly lives), Ephesians 5 and 6 (understanding the plan of salvation), and 2 Corinthians 5:11 (the fear of the Lord and accountability before Christ). The preacher also alludes to John Bunyan’s hymns and the Pauline exhortation to “redeem the time.”

Living Wisely: Embracing the Fear of the Lord (Desiring God) references several passages to deepen the understanding of Acts 9:31: 2 Corinthians 5:11 and 7:1 to show that the fear of the Lord is essential for Christian holiness; Matthew 10:28 to highlight Jesus’ teaching on fearing God rather than man; Acts 5 (Ananias and Sapphira) to illustrate the appropriate response of fear in the church; Romans 11 to warn against arrogance and to emphasize the kindness and severity of God; Psalm 31 and Isaiah 66:2 to show that fear and refuge, trembling and joy, coexist in the life of faith.

The Transformative Power of the Fear of God (SermonIndex.net) draws on Hebrews 12:28-29 as the guiding text, Leviticus 10 (Nadab and Abihu) to illustrate the consequences of irreverence, 2 Kings 17 to distinguish superficial from genuine fear, 1 Corinthians 10:20 to discuss idolatry, Luke 12 to connect fear of God with Jesus’ teaching against hypocrisy, Isaiah 6 to describe the vision of God’s holiness, Isaiah 11 to show the fear of the Lord as an attribute of Christ, Psalm 25:14 to highlight the "secret" of the Lord with those who fear Him, Acts 2 to show the role of fear in the early church’s response to the gospel, and 2 Corinthians 7:1 to call for holiness in the fear of God.

Anchored in Hope: Faith, Comfort, and Encouragement (SermonIndex.net) references Romans 15:13 and 2 Corinthians 1 to describe God as full of hope and comfort, Hebrews 6 to develop the anchor metaphor, Romans 8:28 to discuss God’s providence, Luke 15 (the prodigal son) to illustrate returning to God as a refugee, Psalm 139 to discuss self-examination, 1 Timothy 1 to reflect on Paul’s sense of unworthiness, Philippians 3 to contrast Paul’s pre- and post-conversion life, 2 Corinthians 7 to show how God comforts the downcast through others, and 1 Corinthians 14 to define the purpose of prophecy as encouragement and comfort.

Embracing the Fear of the Lord for Spiritual Growth (SermonIndex.net) references Proverbs 1:7 and other passages in Proverbs to establish the fear of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom, Psalm 33:18 and Psalm 86:11 to show God’s favor toward those who fear Him, Psalm 23 to illustrate fearlessness in adversity, 1 Kings 18 to recount Elijah’s confrontation with Ahab and the prophets of Baal as an example of the consequences of forsaking the fear of God, Romans 3:23 and 6:23 to explain the universality of sin and its consequences, and Psalm 51:3 to describe conviction of sin.

Acts 9:31 Christian References outside the Bible:

Transformative Faith: Saul's Journey and Our Call (Evangel Presbyterian Church) explicitly references David Peterson, who interprets the church’s strengthening as both extensive and intensive, with God as the agent. John Stott is cited for the idea that true conversion leads to church membership and the necessity of welcoming converts from diverse backgrounds. Warren Wiersbe is quoted regarding the parallel between the geographical spread in Acts 9:31 and the commission in Acts 1:8, and his quip about the devil landing in the choir loft is also mentioned in the context of church tradition and change.

Embracing the Fear of the Lord for Spiritual Growth (SermonIndex.net) explicitly references John Calvin, quoting his warning not to abuse times of peace by indulging in idleness and pleasure, and uses this to caution against spiritual complacency during peaceful seasons. The sermon also cites Alexander Hamilton and the Delaware Constitution to illustrate the historical expectation that public officials profess faith in Christ, and references William Wilberforce and Noah Webster as examples of Christian influence on social reform and education. Additionally, the preacher mentions Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project, quoting his testimony about the moral law as evidence for God, and uses it to argue that intellectual acknowledgment of God is insufficient without a relationship grounded in the fear of the Lord.

Acts 9:31 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Transformative Faith: Saul's Journey and Our Call (Evangel Presbyterian Church) uses the movie “The Greatest Showman” as an analogy for church growth and inclusion. The preacher compares P.T. Barnum’s recruitment of Philip Carlyle to lend credibility and reach new audiences to the way Jesus brings new people into the church, each contributing their unique gifts and status. The analogy is extended to emphasize the importance of established members vouching for newcomers, paralleling Barnabas’ role in introducing Saul to the apostles and the church’s responsibility to welcome and enfold new believers.

Transformative Grace: Strength in Adversity and Inclusion (David Guzik) shares a personal story from a mission trip to Bulgaria, where a translation error led to a rumor that he had raised someone from the dead. He uses this humorous anecdote to caution against credulity regarding miracle stories and to illustrate cultural differences in expectations about the miraculous. The story also serves to highlight the importance of accurate communication and the potential for misunderstanding in cross-cultural ministry.

Embracing the Fear of the Lord for Spiritual Growth (SermonIndex.net) uses the analogy of operating heavy construction equipment near high-pressure gas lines and electrical cables to illustrate the nature of the fear of the Lord—not as terror of punishment, but as a life-preserving respect for immense power. The sermon also references the American founding era, including the Mayflower Compact, early constitutions, and the public school system’s original purpose of teaching the Bible, to show how societal structures once depended on a shared reverence for God. The preacher further uses the story of Francis Collins, a renowned geneticist and head of the Human Genome Project, to illustrate how scientific discovery and the recognition of a moral law can point to the existence of God, but insists that only a relationship grounded in the fear of the Lord leads to true spiritual life.