John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. And so were the churches established in the faith , etc.] Of Christ, both in the grace and doctrine of faith; and that both by the preaching of the Gospel by the apostle and his companions, and by the decrees of the elders delivered by him: and increased in number daily ; as well as in gifts and grace.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - Well may the church look for much service from youthful ministers wh set out in the same spirit as Timothy. But when men will submit i nothing, and oblige in nothing, the first elements of the Christia temper seem to be wanting; and there is great reason to believe tha the doctrines and precepts of the gospel will not be successfull taught. The design of the decree being to set aside the ceremonial law and its carnal ordinances, believers were confirmed in the Christia faith, because it set up a spiritual way of serving God, as suited to the nature both of God and man. Thus the church increased in number daily.
Greek Textus Receptus
αι 3588 T-NPF μεν 3303 PRT ουν 3767 CONJ εκκλησιαι 1577 N-NPF εστερεουντο 4732 5712 V-IPI-3P τη 3588 T-DSF πιστει 4102 N-DSF και 2532 CONJ επερισσευον 4052 5707 V-IAI-3P τω 3588 T-DSM αριθμω 706 N-DSM καθ 2596 PREP ημεραν 2250 N-ASF
Vincent's NT Word Studies
5. Were established (estereounto). Rather, were strengthened. Another word is used for established. See ch. xiv. 22; xv. 32, 41; xviii. 23. There is a difference, moreover, between being strengthened and established. See 1 Peter verse 10.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
16:5 {Were strengthened} (estereounto). Imperfect passive of stereow, old verb to make firm and solid like the muscles (#Ac 3:7,16), these three the only examples in the N.T. {Increased} (eperisseuon). Imperfect active of the old and common verb perisseuw from perissos (overplus). The blessing of God was on the work of Paul, Silas, and Timothy in the form of a continuous revival.
