Whenever I read through the book of Acts I'm struck with the number of times Luke comments on the growth of the church. The early church was a growing church. The language of growth in Acts can be grouped into two broad categories: 1) texts that speak of the word of God increasing or spreading 2) texts that speak of the number of disciples increasing.
The Word of God Increased
Acts 6:7 - 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.
Acts 12:24 - But the word of God increased and multiplied.
Acts 13:49 - And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.
Acts 19:20 - So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
The Number of Disciples Increased
Acts 2:41 - So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Acts 2:47 - And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 5:14 - And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.
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.
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.
Acts 11:24 - for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Acts 16:5 - So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.
Ryan Wentzel