What did the growth in the number of disciples in Jerusalem mean in Acts 6:7?
The growth meant many Jews in Jerusalem were responding to Peter and the eleven and becoming part of the Jerusalem assembly of Jewish believers. It followed the apostles' devotion to prayer and the ministry of the Word and the appointment of seven men to serve tables.
Les explains that Acts 6:7's increase means these Jews were responding to Peter and the eleven and becoming part of what he calls the Jerusalem assembly of Jewish believers. The surrounding context shows the apostles told the congregation to choose seven men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to handle the physical needs so the non-Palestinian Jews would not be slighted. The twelve gave themselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the Word, and after prayer and the laying on of hands, the word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
More Questions
What caused the number of disciples to multiply greatly in Jerusalem in Acts 6?
The growth of the word and the multiplying of disciples in Jerusalem was due to Jews responding to Peter and the eleven and joining the Jerusalem assembly of Jewish believers.