The verb carries the idea of distributing or scattering so that something is carried widely abroad. In classical Greek it can describe seeds scattered across a field, news carried through a city, or treasure divided among heirs. When Scripture adopts the term, the image of rapid, uncontrollable dispersion becomes a vivid metaphor for the progress of the gospel message.

New Testament Occurrence: Acts 4:17

The only New Testament appearance is in the Sanhedrin’s deliberations after Peter and John healed the lame man. Alarmed that the apostles were “teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead,” the rulers plot “that it may spread no further among the people” (Acts 4:17). The aorist subjunctive underscores their urgent desire to halt any additional diffusion; yet Luke’s narrative will immediately demonstrate that their efforts fail (Acts 4:31, Acts 5:14, Acts 6:7).

Unstoppable Diffusion of the Gospel

1. Commissioned to spread: Jesus commands, “You will be My witnesses…to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
2. Empowered to spread: Persecution actually accelerates expansion—“those who were scattered went about preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).
3. Promised to spread: “The word of the Lord continues to spread and flourish” (Acts 12:24).
4. Protected as it spreads: “The word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9).

Biblical Parallels to the Spreading Motif

• Old Testament anticipation: “He sends forth His word and it runs swiftly” (Psalm 147:15).
• Prophetic frustration of suppression: When Jeremiah tries to remain silent, the word “becomes like a fire shut up in my bones” (Jeremiah 20:9).
• Parable of the Sower: the seed (word) is broadcast over every kind of soil (Luke 8:5-11).
• Eschatological vision: “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD” (Habakkuk 2:14).

Historical and Missional Significance

Acts 4:17 captures the first official attempt by Jewish authorities to quarantine the gospel. The Council’s language reflects political anxiety: if news of the resurrection permeates Jerusalem, their authority erodes. Yet within months, the message has leapt cultural boundaries (Acts 10), ignited missionary journeys (Acts 13), and taken root in the imperial capital (Acts 28). Church history repeats this pattern: censorship in the Roman Empire, medieval prohibitions on vernacular Scripture, or modern state restrictions regularly result in wider circulation—hand-copied manuscripts, clandestine house churches, digital distribution—mirroring the very verb’s force.

Practical Ministry Insights

• Expect opposition, but also expectancy; resistance often amplifies reach.
• Prioritize clear, public proclamation. The Sanhedrin feared bold speech more than miracles.
• Equip believers to carry the message organically; individual testimony multiplies faster than centralized programs.
• Leverage every available channel—print, broadcast, digital—as faithful stewardship of the word’s intrinsic momentum.

Devotional Reflection

Acts 4:17 reminds believers that the gospel’s nature is centrifugal; it presses outward, refusing containment. When we feel timid or marginalized, we rest in God’s design for His word to move “swiftly” and accomplish “the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). Our calling is simply to participate in that divine diffusion.