And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on the "multitudes" being added, but notice the text emphasizes they were added "to the Lord." This wasn't just about joining a new social group or community; it was a profound, personal addition to Jesus Himself. The description also subtly highlights that women were a significant part of this growing number, which was noteworthy for the time.
And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the dramatic judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, the apostles continued boldly preaching and performing miraculous signs, drawing the awe of the crowds who gathered in Solomon's Porch. Even the sick were brought out hoping Peter's shadow would heal them, a testament to the growing impact of the apostles' ministry, which this verse highlights as leading to a significant increase in believers. This surge in new followers, both men and women, sets the stage for the later internal challenges within the growing church, particularly concerning the care of widows.
Have you ever felt like things are stagnant? This verse paints a picture of continuous, dynamic growth. It wasn't just a one-time boost, but an ongoing process.
The word 'were added' (prosetitheto) is in the imperfect tense, meaning this was a continuous, ongoing action. It wasn't just a single event, but a steady stream of people coming to faith. This shows that the early church's growth was dynamic and sustained, fueled by God's power and the apostles' witness. It implies that genuine faith leads to ongoing incorporation into the community of believers.
God's plan wasn't just for a select few. This verse highlights the expansive nature of the early church's growth, reaching across different groups.
The inclusion of 'multitudes of both men and women' is significant. It shows that the gospel's message was breaking down societal barriers. For the first time in many cultures, women were being elevated to a place of spiritual significance and active participation. This demonstrates God's inclusive heart, calling people from all walks of life and every demographic to Himself.
Understand the original words
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pisteuōn · Greek Noun (participle)
Those who trust in, rely upon, and commit their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It denotes a personal relationship characterized by faith and obedience.
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of supreme authority and sovereignty, identifying Jesus as the resurrected Messiah and God, to whom every knee shall bow. It denotes ownership and rightful mastership over the individual and the church.
The dramatic signs and wonders performed by the apostles, alongside their unwavering boldness in the face of persecution, created an atmosphere of awe and conviction, compelling multitudes to join the growing movement.
c. AD 30-33
Pentecost and the Birth of the Church
The Holy Spirit descends on the disciples in Jerusalem, leading to thousands of conversions and the formation of the early Christian community.
c. AD 33
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate, drawing a large crowd and leading to further preaching and conversions.
c. AD 33
Imprisonment and Release of Apostles
The apostles are arrested for preaching, but miraculously released from prison, leading to their bold return to teaching in the temple.
c. AD 33
Apostles Arrested Again and Freed
After continuing their ministry, the apostles are arrested by the Sanhedrin, but are again miraculously freed from prison.
c. AD 33
Apostles Before the Sanhedrin
The apostles are brought before the Sanhedrin, where Peter boldly declares their allegiance to God over human authority. They are flogged and commanded not to speak in Jesus' name.
c. AD 33— this verse
Continued Growth Despite Opposition
Despite the threats and opposition from religious authorities, the apostles persist in teaching and proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. Many signs and wonders continue to be performed.
c. AD 33
Stoning of Stephen
Stephen, a powerful preacher and miracle worker, becomes the first Christian martyr. This event marks an escalation of persecution against the church in Jerusalem.
This verse directly precedes the passage in Acts 5, showing a similar pattern of significant growth in the number of believers following a bold act of the apostles and subsequent persecution.
Acts 2:41This passage describes the immediate aftermath of Pentecost, where a large number of people were first added to the church, setting the stage for ongoing growth described in Acts 5:14.
John 12:32Jesus Himself spoke of being lifted up and drawing all people to Himself, which is powerfully illustrated by the multitudes being added to the church in Acts 5.
Romans 1:16Paul's declaration that he is not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation, echoes the unstoppable growth of the early church despite opposition.
Colossians 1:6This verse speaks of the gospel bearing fruit and increasing throughout the world, a concept vividly seen in the expanding numbers of believers mentioned in Acts 5:14.
ellicottActs 5:14: "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)"
(14) Added to the Lord. —Here, probably, the word is used in its definite New Testament sense for the Lord Jesus. Both of men and women.—The mention of the latter forms an introduction to the dissensions connected with the “widows” in Acts 6, and is itself characteristic of St. Luke as a writer who had seen and known the effect of the new Religion in raising women to a higher life, and whose knowledge…
vincentActs 5:14: "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)"
Were added (προσετίθεντο)Imperfect: kept being added.
It's easy to focus on the "multitudes" being added, but notice the text emphasizes they were added "to the Lord." This wasn't just about joining a new social group or community; it was a profound, personal addition to Jesus Himself. The description also subtly highlights that women were a significant part of this growing number, which was noteworthy for the time.
Following the dramatic judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, the apostles continued boldly preaching and performing miraculous signs, drawing the awe of the crowds who gathered in Solomon's Porch. Even the sick were brought out hoping Peter's shadow would heal them, a testament to the growing impact of the apostles' ministry, which this verse highlights as leading to a significant increase in believers. This surge in new followers, both men and women, sets the stage for the later internal challenges within the growing church, particularly concerning the care of widows.
Following the dramatic judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, the apostles continued boldly preaching and performing miraculous signs, drawing the awe of the crowds who gathered in Solomon's Porch. Even the sick were brought out hoping Peter's shadow would heal them, a testament to the growing impact of the apostles' ministry, which this verse highlights as leading to a significant increase in believers. This surge in new followers, both men and women, sets the stage for the later internal challenges within the growing church, particularly concerning the care of widows.
"And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women," — It's easy to focus on the "multitudes" being added, but notice the text emphasizes they were added "to the Lord." This wasn't just about joining a new social group or community; it was a profound, pe…
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Last reviewed October 2026