Acts 6:7

And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly…

After what Jesus began to do and teach (Acts 1:1), and in receiving power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8), the church experienced exponential growth as recorded in six summary verses of the Book of Acts. Saint Paul encouraged the brothers to pray that the message of the Lord “run” (2 Thessalonians 3:1), and Hebrews 4:12 refers to the Word as “living and active,” penetrating the soul and spirit and judging the thoughts and hearts. The six summary passages in the Book of Acts are a record of how God’s Word was a multiplying, progressive, and influential power of God at work in the early church. And, it is a multiplying, progressive, and influential power of God at work today.

Summary Verse 1 – Acts 6:7
Acts 6:7 tell us that as the word of God continued to increase, the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. The Missio Dei, the great sending of God, is marked by the apostolic Word of the Lord, which creates and builds up the church. The power of the Word led to a tremendous increase in disciples sharing God’s message of salvation. This included a great multitude of priests listening attentively and heeding the authority of the Word with complete reliance on Christ.

Summary Verse 2 – 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 triumphant Word of God granted peace (a prosperity) to and edified the assembly of believers (the church). The community of faith multiplied as it travelled to place after place in the fear of the Lord and in the consolation of the Holy Spirit, the promised Comforter.

Summary Verse 3 – Acts 12:24
"But the word of God increased and multiplied."

As believers across time are sent into the world, it is the creative power of the Word alone that creates progress, and Christ working through us who advances the Gospel. The growth of the Word is God’s plan and will.

Summary Verse 4 – Acts 16:5
"So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily."

This summary passage stresses the church once again, revealing that the newly planted congregations were made strong or were solidified in their reliance on Christ for salvation and that these assemblies of believers superabounded or exceeded in numbers every day. Again, we see that the growth of the Word is God’s plan and will.

Summary Verse 5 – Acts 19:20
"So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily."

The emphasis in this passage is on the dynamic Word of the Lord, which continues to multiply in the world, proclaiming the Missio Dei. The Word is always exercised with force and vigor as it does its work. The growth of the Word is God’s plan and will.

Summary verse 6 – Acts 28:31
"… proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance."

The concluding summary passage demonstrates the ultimate goal God’s great sending. The Missio Dei task of the church involves the believers in apostolic proclaiming and teaching freely the Lord Jesus Christ with total outspoken confidence, and with no one hindering Christ’s mission to the world.