1) The early church grew rapidly through multiplication - starting with 120 disciples and growing to thousands just after Pentecost and tens of thousands in Jerusalem by Acts 7. 2) The key to growing by multiplication mentioned are trusting God's word, having unity of purpose, and preaching the gospel boldly. However, growth also brought adversity as religious leaders tried to stop the spreading of the gospel message. 3) Remaining faithful witnesses to Christ in spite of adversity is important for continued growth. The apostles were willing to obey God rather than men in their preaching.

1. Acts 5:17-32
Heritage Addition church of Christ
by Jim Bradshaw
Sunday Evening, June 7, 2015

2. Great Excuses in the Old Testament
1. Adam in Genesis 3:12 “The woman whom you gave...”
2. Cain in Genesis 4:9 “…Am I my brother’s keeper?”
3. Moses in Exodus 4:10 “…I am slow of speech and slow
of tongue.”
4. Aaron to Moses in Exodus 32:22, 24 “…you know the
people…”
5. Saul to Samuel in 1 Samuel 15:13-14, 22
6. Matthew 7:21-23

3. Growing by Multiplication
The Early Church Multiplied:
1. In Acts 1 only 120 disciples.
2. At the beginning 3,000 added, Acts 2:41
3. In Acts 4:4 about 5,000 men added (not counting women)
4. In Acts 5:14, multitudes of both men and women were
added.
5. By Acts 6:7, even a great number of priests were added.
6. By Acts 7, 20,000 of the 55,000 residents of Jerusalem
were Christians.

4. How to Grow by Multiplication
1. Trust in God’s Word, Heb 2:1-4 NKJV Therefore we
must give the more earnest heed to the things we have
heard, lest we drift away. (2) For if the word spoken
through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression
and disobedience received a just reward, (3) how shall
we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed
to us by those who heard Him, (4) God also bearing
witness both with signs and wonders, with various
miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His
own will?
Read Acts 5:12, 14-16; 2 Timothy 3:16; Romans 1:16.

5. How to Grow by Multiplication
1. Trust in God’s Word
2. Be of “One Accord, or One Mind, or One Purpose; Acts
4:32; Acts 2:45; Acts 4:35
3. Preach the Gospel with Boldness; Acts 4:29,31
Eph 6:19-20 NKJV and for me, that utterance may be given
to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the
mystery of the gospel, (20) for which I am an ambassador in
chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

6. Growth Brings Adversity
The churches of Christ were the
fastest growing religious body in
the United States from the 1880’s
to the 1960’s.
Act 4:17-18 NKJV But so that it spreads no further
among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from
now on they speak to no man in this name." (18) So they
called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor
teach in the name of Jesus.
Read Acts 5:22-28

7. Growth Requires being a
Witness of the Cross
Act 5:29-32 NKJV But Peter and the other apostles
answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.
(30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you
murdered by hanging on a tree. (31) Him God has exalted to
His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to
Israel and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His
witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom
God has given to those who obey Him."
Ought – (dei) necessary; must

8. We are Made Witnesses
by the Holy Spirit
Act 5:32 NKJV And we are His witnesses to these things,
and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those
who obey Him."
By Faith we see the crucified
Christ; Hebrews 11:1

9. What Kind of Witness
are You?
1. Some are compelled by force.
2. Some are not believable. (A hypocrite makes a horrible
witness)
3. Some are merely trying to reduce their punishment.
4. Some are eyewitnesses.
5. Some are expert witnesses.

10. Growth Requires a
CAN DO Attitude!!!
1. Some react angrily to God’s word.
2. Some like those at Pentecost in Acts 2 will be convicted.
3. Some people will respect us, but not believe.
Act 5:38-39 NKJV And now I say to you, keep away from
these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is
of men, it will come to nothing; (39) but if it is of God, you
cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against
God."

11. Grow Requires a CAN
DO Attitude!!!
The Lord’s Side Always Wins:
1. 1Sa 17:47 NKJV Then all this assembly shall know that
the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the
battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our
hands."
2. God’s Word is Still Powerful; Rom. 1:16; Heb. 4:12-13.
3. You CAN DO IT; Philippians 4:13.
4. The Church will STAND Forever, Daniel 2:44.