The Lord’s church in Jerusalem grew in numbers. It started with about 3,000 Jews (Acts 2:41), then the number grew to about 5,000 men (Acts 4:4), then believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women (Acts 5:14), then the number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly and a great company of priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).
One thing that is evident in this tremendous growth is the fact that the Word of God produced the increase. The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:47).
Several factors contributed to the growth of the church in Jerusalem.
First, faithful teaching of the Word of God was done by the apostles of Christ and disciples of the Lord. They spoke the Word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31). They planted and watered the Word of God with God giving the increase (1 Cor.3:6).
Second, the church in Jerusalem worshiped God in spirit and truth (Jn.4:24; Acts 2:42). The church grew because its members were devoted to worshipping God. Third, the church in Jerusalem was liberal or generous in its giving (Acts 2:44-45;4:34-35). When Christians give their time, service, money, and all they can to the cause of Christ, with God’s help, the church grows.
Fourth, the church in Jerusalem was devoted to moral pu-rity. It had favor with all the people (Acts 2:47). Those early Christians acted, dressed, and talked like Christians, not like the world. When Christians set good examples before those people who are not Christians it can influence them to be like Christ (1 Pet.3:1-2; Matt.5:16).
Which is more important—the numerical or spiritual growth of the church? The only growth that is important to God is that which comes from adherence to His Word. Once we are drawn to the Scriptures as our only guide, we will see our need to evangelize the lost and grow spiritually in Christ. We should place more emphasis on spiritual growth than numerical growth. The growth in Eph.4:7-16 is not numerical in-crease, but the quality of maturing into the likeness of Christ. Numerical growth will come when we grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Pet.3:18).
-Scott Vifquain
One thing that is evident in this tremendous growth is the fact that the Word of God produced the increase. The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:47).
Several factors contributed to the growth of the church in Jerusalem.
First, faithful teaching of the Word of God was done by the apostles of Christ and disciples of the Lord. They spoke the Word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31). They planted and watered the Word of God with God giving the increase (1 Cor.3:6).
Second, the church in Jerusalem worshiped God in spirit and truth (Jn.4:24; Acts 2:42). The church grew because its members were devoted to worshipping God. Third, the church in Jerusalem was liberal or generous in its giving (Acts 2:44-45;4:34-35). When Christians give their time, service, money, and all they can to the cause of Christ, with God’s help, the church grows.
Fourth, the church in Jerusalem was devoted to moral pu-rity. It had favor with all the people (Acts 2:47). Those early Christians acted, dressed, and talked like Christians, not like the world. When Christians set good examples before those people who are not Christians it can influence them to be like Christ (1 Pet.3:1-2; Matt.5:16).
Which is more important—the numerical or spiritual growth of the church? The only growth that is important to God is that which comes from adherence to His Word. Once we are drawn to the Scriptures as our only guide, we will see our need to evangelize the lost and grow spiritually in Christ. We should place more emphasis on spiritual growth than numerical growth. The growth in Eph.4:7-16 is not numerical in-crease, but the quality of maturing into the likeness of Christ. Numerical growth will come when we grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Pet.3:18).
-Scott Vifquain