Just before ascending into heaven, Jesus gave the disciples the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This involved making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching all of His commands. The Book of Acts shows the results of their efforts. They preached the gospel in Jerusalem and thousands believed (Acts 2:41). These new believers responded by learning doctrine, fellowshipping, breaking bread, and praying (Acts 2:42). As opposition arose, the new believers were scattered across the world giving opportunity for the gospel to be preached in other places (Acts 8:1,4). As the gospel reached new areas, new churches were started in different parts of Israel (Acts 9:31). The gospel slowly spread from Jerusalem to places like Caesarea and Antioch. Under Paul's ministry, churches were started in more distant places like Iconium, Lystra, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth, and Ephesus.
In the Book of Acts, we see a relationship between individual churches. For instance, individual churches sent aid to the believers in Judea due to a famine (Acts 11:27-30). A council was held to discuss the idea that circumcision was required for salvation (Acts 15:1-29). The relationship between churches is also seen in the various New Testament epistles. Paul's epistles were to be read in various churches (Col. 4:16) and had been read by other apostles (2 Pet. 3:16). Also, epistles often ended with greetings from various Christians to the addressed church (Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19). This indicates that individual churches had a friendly relationship with other churches. |
