Acts 16:5

KJV

And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

KJV (with Strong's)

And so {G3303}{G3767} were {G4732} the churches {G1577} established {G4732} in the faith {G4102}, and {G2532} increased {G4052} in number {G706} daily {G2250}{G2596}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Accordingly, the congregations were strengthened in the faith and increased in number day by day.

Berean Standard Bible

So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

American Standard Version

So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:5 succinctly captures the flourishing state of the nascent Christian communities during Paul's second missionary journey, serving as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of the apostolic ministry and the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit. This verse highlights a dual flourishing: the qualitative deepening of believers' convictions and the quantitative expansion of their numbers, underscoring the dynamic growth of the early church following the pivotal Jerusalem Council.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears immediately after Paul and Silas have delivered the decrees of the Jerusalem Council to the churches in various cities, including Derbe and Lystra ([Acts 16:4](/acts/16-4 "Acts 16:4 - Delivering the Council's Decrees")). The preceding chapter, [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"), details the crucial resolution of the Gentile circumcision debate, affirming salvation by grace through faith, without the necessity of adhering to the Mosaic Law. The clarity and unity achieved through these decisions were instrumental in stabilizing the early Christian communities, providing a firm theological foundation that directly contributed to the "establishment in the faith" mentioned in [Acts 16:5](/acts/16-5 "Acts 16:5 - Churches Established and Growing"). The verse thus acts as a summary statement, demonstrating the positive outcome of the Council's work and the ongoing missionary efforts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church operated within a complex Greco-Roman world, often facing opposition from both Jewish religious authorities and pagan society. The Jerusalem Council's decision was a watershed moment, decisively opening the door for Gentile inclusion without imposing Jewish ceremonial law, which significantly reduced barriers to conversion and fostered unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. This theological clarity was vital for the church's expansion beyond its Jewish roots. The daily increase in numbers reflects the vibrant evangelistic zeal of the apostles and early believers, coupled with the compelling power of the Gospel message and the visible demonstration of the Holy Spirit's power through signs and wonders, attracting many from diverse backgrounds to the Christian faith.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 16:5](/acts/16-5 "Acts 16:5 - Churches Established and Growing") encapsulates several recurring themes throughout the book of Acts. Firstly, the theme of **spiritual establishment and maturity** is paramount, emphasizing that true church health involves a deepening understanding and commitment to sound doctrine, as seen in the churches being "established in the faith." This qualitative growth is often linked to the teaching and discipleship provided by the apostles, as also evidenced in the early community's devotion to the apostles' teaching ([Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - The Early Church's Devotion")). Secondly, the theme of **numerical growth** is consistently highlighted in Acts, demonstrating God's blessing and the unstoppable advance of His kingdom. Phrases like "the Lord added to their number daily" ([Acts 2:47](/acts/2-47 "Acts 2:47 - The Lord Adds to Their Number")) and "the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly" ([Acts 6:7](/acts/6-7 "Acts 6:7 - The Word of God Multiplies")) echo the rapid expansion described here. Finally, the verse implicitly points to the **sovereignty and power of the Holy Spirit** in orchestrating both the spiritual strengthening and the numerical increase of the church, a foundational theme throughout the entire book of Acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **churches (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** From a compound of *ek* (out) and a derivative of *kaleō* (to call), meaning "a calling out." Concretely, it refers to a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation—in this context, the Christian community of believers. The use of the plural "churches" indicates that the growth and establishment were not confined to a single location but were widespread across the regions Paul and Silas visited, signifying a movement rather than isolated incidents.
* **established (Greek, _stereóō'_):** From *stereos* (solid, firm), this verb means "to solidify, to confirm, to make strong." It implies a process of strengthening and rooting deeply, not merely a superficial adherence or initial conversion. This term emphasizes the qualitative aspect of the churches' health, indicating that believers were becoming firm and grounded in Christian doctrine, their convictions, and their commitment to Christ, resisting potential doctrinal shifts or external pressures.
* **increased (Greek, _perisseúō'_):** From *perissos* (superabundant, excessive), this verb means "to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel." This word conveys a sense of overflowing, plentiful, and abundant growth. It highlights the rapid and extensive expansion of believers, indicating that the numerical increase was not just steady but significant and continuous, often surpassing expectations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And so were the churches established in the faith":** This clause describes the qualitative growth of the Christian communities. The "churches" (plural) across various regions were not merely existing but were being made firm and strong in their core beliefs and convictions. "In the faith" refers to the body of Christian doctrine and the personal trust and loyalty to Christ. This establishment implies sound teaching, spiritual maturity, and a deepening commitment among the believers, providing a stable foundation for their communal life and witness.
* **"and increased in number daily":** This second clause describes the quantitative growth. The conjunction "and" links this numerical expansion directly to the spiritual establishment, suggesting a healthy correlation between internal strength and external outreach. The term "increased" (perisseuō) denotes an overflowing, abundant growth, while "daily" emphasizes the continuous, consistent, and rapid pace of this expansion. This signifies God's blessing on the evangelistic efforts and the compelling power of the Gospel message, drawing new converts into the fold on an ongoing basis.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 16:5 employs **Parallelism** and **Complementary Pairing** to convey a holistic picture of the early church's vitality. The verse juxtaposes "established in the faith" with "increased in number daily," presenting two distinct yet interconnected aspects of growth. This pairing highlights that true spiritual health encompasses both internal stability (qualitative depth) and external expansion (quantitative breadth). The "daily" aspect functions as an **Emphasis** or even a mild **Hyperbole**, underscoring the remarkable and consistent pace of the church's growth, suggesting a divinely sustained momentum that was continually adding new believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:5 powerfully illustrates the divine dynamism of the early church, demonstrating that authentic spiritual vitality manifests in both internal strength and external expansion. The establishment "in the faith" speaks to the critical importance of sound doctrine, discipleship, and a firm theological foundation for believers. This qualitative grounding prevents spiritual instability and ensures that growth is not merely superficial. Concurrently, the "daily" increase in numbers underscores the missional imperative of the church, reflecting God's desire for all people to come to a saving knowledge of Christ. This dual emphasis reveals God's strategy for kingdom advancement: a deeply rooted, unified, and Spirit-empowered community that actively proclaims the Gospel, resulting in continuous transformation and multiplication. The verse serves as a model for healthy church growth, where depth of faith fuels breadth of outreach, all under the sovereign hand of God.

* [Acts 2:47](/acts/2-47 "The Lord Adds to Their Number Daily")
* [1 Corinthians 3:6](/1_corinthians/3-6 "God Gives the Increase")
* [Ephesians 4:14-16](/ephesians/4-14-16 "Growing in Christ, the Head")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 16:5 offers profound insights for believers and churches today, reminding us that true spiritual flourishing is a multifaceted reality. It challenges us to pursue a balanced approach to Christian life and ministry, prioritizing both the deepening of our faith and the expansion of God's kingdom. Just as the early churches were "established in the faith," we are called to be rooted in sound biblical doctrine, growing in our understanding of God's Word and in our personal relationship with Christ. This involves consistent discipleship, theological education, and a commitment to living out our convictions. Simultaneously, the "daily" increase in numbers serves as a powerful reminder of our ongoing responsibility to share the Gospel. Our spiritual stability should propel us outward, compelling us to engage in evangelism and mission, trusting that God will add to our number as we faithfully proclaim His truth. A healthy church, therefore, is one that is robust in its faith and vibrant in its outreach, reflecting the Spirit's work in both consolidation and multiplication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways is my personal faith, or the faith of my church community, being "established" and deepened?**
* **How does our commitment to sound doctrine and spiritual maturity impact our ability to effectively share the Gospel and see numerical growth?**
* **What practical steps can I, or my church, take to foster both spiritual depth and outward-focused evangelism, mirroring the balance seen in Acts 16:5?**

### FAQ
**What does "established in the faith" specifically mean for the early churches?**

Answer: "Established in the faith" means that these early Christian communities were becoming firmly rooted and strengthened in their understanding and commitment to the core doctrines of Christianity. This wasn't just about initial conversion but a process of spiritual maturity, where believers were discipled in the teachings of the apostles, understood the implications of the Gospel, and developed a steadfast conviction in Christ. It implies a qualitative growth, where their beliefs were solid and unshakeable, providing a strong foundation against false teaching or persecution, as seen in the emphasis on sound teaching throughout the New Testament, such as in [Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - No Longer Tossed by Every Wind of Doctrine").

**How did the Jerusalem Council's decision (Acts 15) contribute to the growth described in Acts 16:5?**

Answer: The Jerusalem Council's decision, detailed in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"), was pivotal because it clarified that Gentile believers did not need to be circumcised or fully adhere to the Mosaic Law to be saved. This removed a significant barrier to entry for non-Jews, making the Gospel more accessible and universal. By providing theological clarity and unity on this crucial issue, the Council's decrees brought stability and confidence to the churches, allowing them to focus on evangelism and discipleship without internal strife. This unity and clear message directly contributed to the churches being "established in the faith" and subsequently "increased in number daily," as the path to salvation became clear and unburdened by unnecessary legalistic requirements.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 16:5, depicting the church's establishment in faith and daily increase, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "faith" in which the churches were established is fundamentally faith in Christ—His atoning sacrifice, His resurrection, and His Lordship. He is the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")), the very foundation upon which the church is built ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")). The growth described is not merely organizational expansion but the organic multiplication of those who are being added to Christ's body, the church, which He Himself promised to build ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")). The daily increase is a testament to the ongoing fulfillment of the Great Commission, given by Christ to His disciples, to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, Acts 16:5 is a snapshot of Christ's active work through His Spirit, continually strengthening His people and expanding His kingdom on earth, drawing all people to Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 9:31

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Acts 2:47

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 6:7

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.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

Acts 15:41

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Ephesians 4:13

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Ephesians 4:16

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.