{In all the world} (en panti t(9369) kosm(9369)). A legitimate
hyperbole, for the gospel was spreading all over the Roman
Empire. {Is bearing fruit} (estin karpophoroumenon).
Periphrastic present middle indicative of the old compound
karpophore(935c), from karpophoros ( Ac 14:17 ) and that from
karpos and pher(935c). The periphrastic present emphasizes the
continuity of the process. See the active participle
karpophorountes in verse 10 . {Increasing} (auxanomenon).
Periphrastic present middle of auxan(935c). Repeated in verse 10 .
The growing and the fruit-bearing go on simultaneously as always
with Christians (inward growth and outward expression). {Ye heard
and knew} ((886b)ousate kai epegn(9374)e). Definite aorist indicative.
They heard the gospel from Epaphras and at once recognized and
accepted (ingressive second aorist active of epigin(9373)k(935c), to
know fully or in addition). They fully apprehended the grace of
God and should be immune to the shallow vagaries of the Gnostics.
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