The book of Acts is an inspired history regarding the growth of the early church. More awareness of numerical growth is found here than in the rest of the New Testament combined. We can glean great insight into the nature of growth in the Lord’s church by especially noticing what led to the numerical growth of the church. Perhaps one warning is in view. There is no doubt that the Lord’s wisdom and plan dictated the timing of the establishment of the church. Perhaps we could say that the church was established in “the fullness of times” (compare Gal. 4:4). This is brought to attention to warn against undue focus on numbers. Remember that numbers themselves are neither good nor bad. The church’s focus must be on faithfulness to Christ, leaving the growth to God.
Let’s briefly consider many of the passages that point out numerical growth in Acts and especially give attention to the activities of the apostles and early Christians (the faithfulness) that led to that growth.
- Acts 2:41 – “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
The preaching of Peter on the day the church was established led to around 3000 Jews turning from sin to the Savior, and being added to the body of Christ (see also v. 47). The reason they turned to the Savior is because the inspired message of Peter demanded repentance, without which no man can be saved (Lk. 13:3). The way to grow the church is not by making sure not to step on anybody’s toes, but to preach the Word as it is (see 2 Tim. 4:1-4) and do so with love (Eph. 4:15). God’s word, the Gospel, “is the power of God for salvation” (Rom. 1:16). We would also be amiss not to mention how the “togetherness” of the church from the beginning (in worship, fellowship and the work of the Lord), led to greater spiritual strength, and on to numerical growth as well (see Acts 2:42-47).
- Acts 4:4 – “But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.”
In the context we see that the same preaching of the Gospel that caused many of the religious leaders to become furious with the apostles, caused many common folks to embrace the message concerning the resurrection of Christ. This reminds us of the Parable of the Sower. The message is the pure seed of the kingdom (see Lk. 8:11). The heart of man responds to or rejects the message. The seed is the word. The heart is the variable. Note also verse 13 about the boldness of Peter and John that came from being with Jesus. We will naturally be bold with the Gospel when we spend time with our Lord! A symptom of not spending time with the Lord is shallow, or, hollow teaching which is too careful of offending no one… accept the Lord.
- Acts 5:14 – “And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.”
Let’s note a few important matters in the context earlier in chapter 5: (1) Ananias and Sapphira have just incurred divine discipline for lying about the price of the land theysold. This struck a wholesome fear into the church and beyond (see v. 11). (2) The apostles performed many miraculous works which were observed by the people (see v. 12). (3) Of course, we can safely assume they also continued to preach the Word of God. This is the context of more believers than ever being added to the Lord’s church!
Discipline, according to God’s prescribed method (see Mt. 18:15-20; 2 Thes. 3:6-15; 1 Cor. 5), creates a healthy respect for God and His Word. Weakness in this area waters down the Word and the will of God. The miracles performed created faith in the Word (compare Jn. 20:31; Mk. 16:20). Since the Lord’s Word has been revealed and confirmed, miracles are no longer performed or needed, but yet we point people to the truth of the confirmed Word.
- Acts 6:1 – “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.”
We note here that sometimes numerical growth brings challenges. In this case there was tension caused by the neglect of Greek speaking Jewish widows. The apostles effectively dealt with the problem by appointing seven men to “serve tables,” which also enabled them to continue their ministry of prayer and the word. Surely it is no accident that verse seven then says, “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” Effectively dealing with tensions in the church and the maintaining of proper roles is vital for sustained growth.
- Acts 9:31 – “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”
The context here is interesting. Barnabas has just served as a peacemaker regarding the church being fearful of Saul (knowing his history). This allowed the church to be at peace and Saul, or Paul, to preach unhindered. Note that he “preached boldly in the name of the Lord” (v. 29). In other words, he boldly spoke His word, and the text mentions that he even “disputed against the Hellenists” (v. 30). What did he do? He opposed teaching that was against the doctrine of Christ (see 1 Jn. 4:1; 2 Jn. 9). Not only did these things lead to numerical growth, but verse 31 says that the church was “being built up.” Growth is not just about numbers. It is about spiritual fortitude and being rooted in the truth (see Col. 2:7; 1 Cor. 16:13).
CONCLUSION
The church today would do well to give serious attention to the growth of the early church that was guided by the inspired apostles. We have the apostles and the inspired Word to learn from and engage as we seek to glorify God and bring souls to Him!
Daren Schroeder
