The forth church growth report

“But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.” (1) In the Book of Acts, there are seven records of church growth, each marking a significant milestone in the narrative (Acts 2:47; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:30-31). (2) This passage marks the fourth record of growth, demonstrating that even under Herod Agrippa’s persecution, the church was not destroyed. No one on earth can fully hinder God’s work. (3) After Herod’s death, a new opportunity for evangelism arose. (a) From AD 44 to 47, a three-year period favorable for church growth began. (b) However, during this time, consecutive famines struck. (c) As a result of the famine, the Jerusalem church likely fell into a dire situation. (d) During this period, the relief funds from the Antioch church were delivered. This is an example of God’s foresight and providential love at work.

The return of Barnabas and Saul

“And Barnabas and Saul returned when they had fulfilled their mission to Jerusalem, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark.” (1) This verse connects with Acts 11:29-30: “And to the extent that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brothers and sisters living in Judea. And they did this, sending it with Barnabas and Saul to the elders.” The Antioch church likely sent the relief funds to the Jerusalem church in the fall of AD 47. (2) Mark accompanied Barnabas and Saul from Jerusalem to Antioch. After arriving in Antioch, he would join them as an assistant on their first missionary journey.

The central flow of the Acts of the Apostles

Acts 1:8 outlines the expansion of evangelism in three stages: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.” (1) Part 1 is evangelism in “Jerusalem.” (2) Part 2 is evangelism in “Judea and Samaria.” (3) Part 3 is evangelism “to the remotest part of the earth.” The story up to this point belongs to Parts 1 and 2, but from Acts 13 onward, Part 3 begins. This marks the start of global missions. The work of world evangelization that began from the church in Antioch continues even today. The fact that the Gospel has reached us is the proof of this. The story of Acts is still being written. Let us also be part of this ongoing work.