Acts 9:31
Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

The last words Jesus spoke to the disciples were to be witnesses, "in Jerusalem, Judea, Sameria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). In just these few weeks we see the immediate results. People been healed, baptized with the Holy Spirit, and the church has grown rapidly as people believe in Jesus. It hasn't been without a cost either. Peter and John have already been imprisoned and beaten and remain religious fugatives. Stephen has been stoned to death. And Saul's persecution has caused fear throughout the church (8:3).It is after Saul's conversion that things seem to change in this season.

Sure, the apostles were being used in miraculous ways. Still, I believe the work of being "witnesses" had spread to the converts. The church was growing because because the church was were walking in the fear of the Lord and with the help (paraklesis) of the Holy Spirit.

I wonder if it is when the people of God begin to do the work of God that peace is produced. I'm sure it is the reason for the growth or the building of the church. This is the season that preceeds the next step of the first gentile convert (Cornelius) and the steps into "the ends of the earth" with the gospel.

Lord, help us to break free of the "professional ministry" syndrome. Let us be a people who walk in reverance. Let us be a people who are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Let us produce peace and the rule of Your kingdom in our sphere of influence.