The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 12:24

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Sanctified affliction.

"But the Word of God grew and multiplied."

I. THE TROUBLES ARE BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE.

1. Drawing the believers together.

2. Revealing the weakness of enemies.

3. Calling out faith and prayerfulness.

4. Occasioning new manifestations of Divine power on behalf of the Church.

II. THE KINGDOM OF GOD UNDER DIVINE CONTROL AND INDEPENDENT OF HUMAN AGENCY. A time of famine and persecution and mourning, but still a time of increase. The earthly rulers against the Word, but still it grows. The Church afflicted, but still speaking to the world, and its speech all the more powerful that it comes forth from the troubled depths of suffering hearts Instances. The blood of the martyrs the seed of the Church. Madagascar. When we are weak then are we strong. "Not by might, nor by power, hut by God's Spirit."—R.

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