Acts 12:24 But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.

In Acts 12, toward the end, we see the work of God unfolding mightily in Jerusalem. Although the opposition to the early Christian community did its best to bring down the church, God had a different plan for them.

Through His mighty works, the church not only survived harsh persecution coming in from Herod but started to thrive even more; the sentiment captured precisely thru verse 24 when Luke says ‘the word of God continued to spread and flourish.’

What’s quite interesting is to see is how the same thing was happening around the same time (Acts 12:1) in the city of Antioch further north from Jerusalem.

As stated in Acts 11:21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

Two different locations, but our God is not limited to time and space. He is bringing growth to both cities and they are both experiencing revivals powered by the Holy Spirit.

Here is an important lesson for us all. As Paul stated in Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

God’s not limited. He works and He brings flourishing to where He wills.

Sometimes, we may think we are going through a decline. But in God’s eyes, it’s a decline for a greater incline. If one place seems to be experiencing a tough time, He works to bring a good time to other places, without forgetting to also bring a good time to those who are experiencing a tough time.

That’s what we see here in Acts 11 and Acts 12. He is working and He is making all things right.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up