SEMESTER 5
479 – The Explosive Growth of the Early Church
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: BIBLE SURVEY V LESSON # 79
THE EXPLOSIVE GROWTH OF THE EARLY CHURCH
Read Acts 2:22-47
; 4:1-4; 5:12-16.
INTRODUCTION:
1. No time of church growth parallels this short period.
2. Sadly, men see it as a magic pattern for human activity.
3. Conversely, the Bible presents it as a testimony of power from on high. (Acts 1:8)
4. Let’s try to see this growth from a biblical standpoint.
I. THIS GROWTH WAS NOT SOUGHT OR ANTICIPATED BY MAN
1. I have often heard messages on the formula for another Pentecost.
2. Each time emphasis is placed upon the disciples’ activity.
3. They did nothing except what Christ instructed and the Holy Spirit led them to do.
4. What then was this unique and explosive event?
II. THIS GROWTH WAS FULFILLMENT OF A PROMISE
1. Jesus describes it as “the promise of the Father.” (Lk. 24:49)
2. Peter described it as spoken by Joel. (Acts 2:14-21)
3. Notice this is God’s promise. (Acts 2:17, Joel 2:21-32)
4. This prophecy of Joel covers the entire ministry of Christ, (both advents).
5. The baptism of the Holy Spirit upon the church and this great harvest is a testimony of the accuracy of this promise.
III. THIS WAS EVIDENCE OF THE IDENTITY AND POWER OF CHRIST
1. The miraculous activity was promised by Him. (Mk. 16:19-20)
2. The tongues of Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46 and Acts 19:6 are part of this supernatural evidence.
3. The miracles of Acts 3:6-11, Acts 4:31, Acts 5:10-11, Acts 6:7-8, etc., all were part of this promise.
4. The conversion of the Samaritans and Gentiles were parts of this promise.
5. The conversion of Saul and his ministry to the Gentiles was of the same promise.
IV. THE MAGNITUDE OF THIS GROWTH
1. In a few days thousands of Jews were added to the church. (Acts 2:41, Acts 2:46, Acts 4:4, Acts 5:14)
2. In the few years following thousands and thousands of Gentiles were added.
3. There sprang from that catalyst a work that has prospered for 2,000 years.
4. Remember this is nothing more or less than God doing as He always planned. (Acts 15:13-18)
V. WHAT SHOULD OUR CONDUCT BE IN LIGHT OF THIS
1. Do not try either to imitate or emulate the activity of disciples past or present.
2. See what God’s commission for us is, and obey it.
3. Then, trust God to do His will and wait upon Him.