But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied. (Acts 12:24)
We often refer to the “Word” and 95% of the time we are using this expression talking about the Bible. For example, we might say, “The Word tells us …”. The Bible however refers to itself as the Scriptures or the Holy Writings. Looking at the verse cited above, the “Word” is certainly not referring to the Scriptures since they do not grow and are not multiplied
This Word is the living word! This is the imperishable seed that produces a new birth (1 Peter 1:23). This is the seed that the sower plants which brings forth fruit – producing more seed that can in turn be planted. This is multiplication. One of the properties in living beings is the ability to multiply.
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
This living word is sharp and piercing, convicting hearts, and revealing truth – both bad (the condition of our hearts and motivation for our actions) and good (the good news of salvation, forgiveness, redemption, and deliverance).
This Word is the living bread that came down from heaven to give life to the world (John 6:51) because the living Word is Jesus (John 1:1-14). Although it would be difficult to see Jesus “growing” and “multiplying” in the physical sense, He grows and multiplies like a body that grows through the multiplication of individual cells and members. We are the body of Christ and He is the Seed, the Living Word.
