Acts 5:14
And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
Original Language Analysis
προσετίθεντο
added
G4369
προσετίθεντο
added
Strong's:
G4369
Word #:
3 of 11
to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat
πιστεύοντες
believers
G4100
πιστεύοντες
believers
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
4 of 11
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
to the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
to the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 11
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Historical Context
Women's explicit inclusion was radical in first-century Judaism where women couldn't be counted in synagogue quorums. Early Christianity's welcome of women as full members attracted criticism but demonstrated kingdom values. The multitudes' addition despite (or because of) judgment severity validated supernatural origin.
Questions for Reflection
- How does church discipline promote rather than hinder gospel growth?
- What does specific mention of women believers teach about the gospel's transformation of social structures?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The summary - 'believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women' - shows that judgment purified rather than paralyzed the church. The Greek 'mallon' (the more) indicates accelerated growth, not decline. The passive 'were added to the Lord' emphasizes divine action - God builds His church. Including 'both men and women' highlights gospel's egalitarian nature in patriarchal society. Quality (holiness) and quantity (growth) coexisted - true revival produces both purity and proliferation.