And churches were strengthened

And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. – Acts 16.4-5

The book of Acts has so much to offer and so much to learn from. We often hear about 'pioneer missionaries' today, but these guys were true pioneers and trailblazers. They had no pattern; they had no book of Acts.

But from the very start they saw not only the importance of preaching the gospel, but of establishing churches wherever they went.

God knew that it was not enough for the church just be be this great world wide body of believers. God knew from the very start that we would need a body of believers to comfort, aid, and support us in our Christian life. We would need encouragement and we would also need accountability.

So as Paul and Barnabas and the others travelled they went back to where local churches had been established and they strengthened them.

This local church plan became essential. Paul wrote letters to local assemblies. In Hebrews Christians are encouraged not to forsake assembling together.

What an excited day it must have been to see churches established, strengthened, and their numbers growing.

The truth is though that we have the same Holy Spirit they had and our task is the same.

Lets be sure we keep at the work.