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 2:47: "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
This verse culminates the crowd-facing results of the Spirit’s work in Jerusalem. The apostles’ praise and the community’s visible favor among onlookers led to continued growth—daily additions to the church. “Having favour with all the people” indicates a persuasive, credible witness in the public sphere; their character and conduct attracted observers who saw genuine love, generosity, and joy. The phrase “such as should be saved” points to God’s sovereign initiative—the church grows as God draws individuals to repentance and faith. The passage emphasizes that evangelism and mission are God-empowered as believers live in gospel-shaped community. It also ties worship and mission together: consistent praise and visible fruit go hand in hand. While the early church enjoyed favorable public perception, the ultimate source of growth remains God’s gracious act, not merely human strategy. The narrative invites readers to consider how a church’s life—worship, unity, compassion—becomes a lure to spiritual seeking.
Key themes include God’s hospitality toward the world, the Spirit’s empowering presence, and the growth of the church through divine initiative. The verse shows that authentic worship and communal life produce credibility that opens doors for evangelism. It also affirms that salvation is a gift of God’s grace—“such as should be saved”—not something earned by human effort. The outworking of faith in daily life becomes a persuasive testimony to non-believers, inviting them to join the community of Jesus. The steadfastness of prayer, praise, and public witness binds the church to its mission. The verse thus sits at the intersection of worship and mission, reminding believers that God uses transformed lives to draw others to himself.
Practical steps: cultivate visible integrity in daily life—be honest, generous, and hospitable so people notice something different about the church. Invest in public witness: well-organized outreach events, compassionate service projects, and clear, winsome sharing of the gospel. Pray for opportunities to share faith with neighbors, coworkers, and friends; invite people to church gatherings or small groups. Strive for unity and kindness within the church so outsiders see a loving community. Celebrate growth that comes by God’s Spirit, not by clever programs. Remember that growth is God’s activity—keep dependence on him in prayer as you pursue mission.
Cross-References: John 13:35; Acts 4:4; 1 Corinthians 3:6–7; 1 Peter 2:12; Matthew 5:14–16