Explosive Growth of the Early Church
In this section of Acts, titled "The Fellowship of the Believers" in some translations, I believe there's a blueprint for rapid growth in the church. Earlier in this chapter we see the Holy Spirit's arrival and it's baptism in the upper room, followed by Peters bold preaching, and finally over 3000 souls saved! There's got to be an example in there somewhere on how it happened!
Before I proceed I want to make clear that the four points below are the "human" side of analysis and interpretation, and by no means takes away from the true reason growth was so explosive; it was because the power of the Holy Spirit was poured out in the upper room, giving Peter a boldness to preach a powerful message. His message lifted Jesus high, and it was Jesus that brought "all men to Him".
Verse 42 talks about four points that the new converts followed, and how they devoted themselves to each of these points:
1) Teaching. The new believers were taught by those who actually walked and talked with Jesus! If anyone had the authority or were experts on what He taught it would be His apostles. Two Thousand years later we don't have the luxury of being able to talk to these individuals, but what we do have are translations of their books, and in them we find Christ's own words. As long as you're attending a bible-believing church your leaders and pastors teach the same message of love that Jesus taught and that the apostles preached. His word will outlast the ages.
2) Fellowship. We humans are social creatures. We love to be part of the crowd. We use "social media" to keep in touch with our communities when we cannot physically meet or spend time together. This is the same thing the early believers did. What better way to increase your faith and to learn of God's ways than to spend time with people that have the same beliefs as you? Who better to spend it with than those that have something in common.
3) Breaking of bread. There's two ways to look at this, and both are right. The first is communion. Jesus taught the apostles what to do "in remembrance of" Him. Communion helped and continues to help the believer reflect on his/her self, and also realize the sacrifice Jesus took upon Himself for us. As for the second meaning; Let's face it. What better way to get people together than with food! Try it if you haven't already!
4) Prayer. As they learned of His Word and His ways they would pray to the Father for increase, and for the power of the Holy Spirit to embolden their witnessing.
Once these four points were met, the rest of the verses talk about how things began to "gel": there were signs and wonders. They pooled their resources to provide for the community they created and for outreach opportunities. They were glad and sincere in their praise. And because of and through all of this, "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved". From a kingdom perspective, it's why we do what we do.
Created about 1 year ago
