From Addition To Multiplication

by Micky Galloway

As the apostle Peter preached to the Jews in Acts 2, three thousand “gladly received his word and were baptized” (Acts 2:41). As the Lord “added to the church daily,” (Acts 2:47) it is not surprising that growth of the early church was spectacular and constant. Before long, however, we begin to read that the disciples multiplied. “The number of men came to be about five thousand … and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women … The number of the disciples was multiplying … The word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly” (Acts 4:4; 5:14; 6:1; 6:7).

What is responsible for such tremendous growth? Certainly, there were many things to contribute to such growth. Persecution in Jerusalem caused the disciples to be dispersed. “They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Wherever the gospel is preached in abundance the church flourished. Acts 9:31 reveals additional elements responsible for the growth of the early church. “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord and The comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied”. Please note these essential elements responsible for the disciples multiplying.

They had peace. The message Jesus gave to a lost and dying world is called “the gospel of peace” (Acts 10:36). It is through obedience to this message that our sin is forgiven, thus we enjoy peace with God. Paul wrote, “being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God” (Romans 5:1). This obedient faith (James 2:14-26) not only brings us together in peace with God, but it also brings us together in peace with others who have peace with God. Paul described the Jews and Gentiles who had been at enmity with each other as now enjoying peace. Christ “Brake down the middle wall of partition … to create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body unto God” (Ephesians 2:14-16; cf. Colossians 1:20-22). This peace and peace with God is brought about by obedience to the“message of reconciliation,” the word of God (II Corinthians 5:18-19). Peace among believers causes the truth to be more attractive to the world, thus making possible, “the disciples multiplied.”

They were edified. More than numbers is necessary to growth. We must be built up in the faith (cf. II Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:16). As the apostle Paul departed from the Ephesian elders, he told them, “And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). As disciples grow in the “word of his grace” their faith grows (cf. Romans 10:17). They also grow in love and dedication and commitment to the Lord. Without balanced teaching, there can be no edification. Is it any wonder the early church grew?

They walked in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Solomon wrote, “Hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). To “walk in the fear of the Lord” means we must hear and obey his commandments. We must change our lives because of our reverence for God. The wisdom writer said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” (Proverbs 1:7). Paul wrote, “The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). It is comforting to know that the blessings of God are promised by the Spirit-revealed word of God to those who submit to His commandments.

Thus the church … was multiplied (Acts 9:31). Please note: “As many as received his word were baptized and there were added unto them…” “And believers were the more added to the Lord. Then, “and the word of God increased and the … disciples multiplied” (Acts 2:41; 5:14; 6:7). Surely we can learn that the church grew in proportion to the word of God being taught and practiced in the lives of the disciples. In order for God’s word to bring forth fruit abundantly, it must be planted. “The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). In order to have these necessary elements (peace, edification, fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit), the word of God must be preached and obeyed. Indeed, “the gospel is the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16).

From addition to multiplication … It can’t be done unless we follow the example of early Christians. They preached the word of God constantly. Wherever they went, “They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). It worked for them, it will work for us today.