“Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.” (Acts 6:1)
Notice the scripture says the disciples were multiplying. From Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost through Chapter 5 the numbers were being added, and now are multiplying.
So what causes Jesus to add souls to His church, and then begin to multiply? We must look back at what marked this community of believers.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47)
All of these things below marked the Kingdom family:
- Teaching
- Fellowship
- Breaking of bread
- Prayer
- Fear of the Lord
- Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Selfless care of others
- Daily assembly
- In one accord
- Praise
From their faithfulness to continue in these things we see above, the Lord Jesus added to them daily! The Lord begins with addition before moving into multiplication. I believe this is to see how what He adds is stewarded, and if He can trust with the more!
If we want Jesus to add, multiply, and sustain we must follow the pattern He’s given. Anything apart from that is man’s wisdom, and then up to man to sustain!