A Pattern of Multiplication

Beyond the earthly ministry of Jesus, the book of Acts and the Epistles reveal how the first Christians understood and practiced the Great Commission. Discipleship was not a program but the core function of the church—a dynamic, relational process of teaching, mentoring, and multiplication. Exploring the primary methods they used to build the church, from establishing foundational communities to training the next generation of leaders, will help us to determine what next steps we might consider as we learn to apprentice under Jesus and make disciples. Each of the tabs briefly shows how these strategies were implemented.

Discipleship Methods in Acts

The book of Acts provides a narrative of the early church's expansion, highlighting several recurring discipleship activities. This chart quantifies mentions of key methods, showing a strong emphasis on public teaching and intentional follow-up with new believers.

The Jerusalem Model: A Devoted Community

The first church, born at Pentecost, established a powerful model for discipleship centered on corporate devotion and shared life. This wasn't just about individual belief, but about creating a community identity grounded in specific, repeated practices.

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Apostles' Teaching

New believers were grounded in the teachings of Jesus as passed on by the apostles.

🤝

Fellowship

Commitment to one another in a shared life, including material support for those in need.

🍞

Breaking of Bread

Regularly remembering Christ's sacrifice, likely in homes, strengthening their communal bond.

🙏

Prayer

Corporate prayer was a central pillar of their strength and dependence on God.

Impact at Pentecost (Acts 2:41-47)

The result of this focused community discipleship was immediate, profound, and attractive to outsiders.

~3,000

Baptized on the day of Pentecost

Daily

Meeting together & adding to their number

Favor

With all the people

Personal Mentorship: Investing in Individuals

Beyond large group teaching, the early church thrived on intentional, one-on-one relationships where believers were personally guided, corrected, and equipped.

Philip & the Ethiopian Eunuch

Acts 8:26-40

Listens First: Philip starts by asking, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
Starts from Scripture: He begins from the passage the eunuch was already reading (Isaiah).
Explains Jesus: He connects the prophecy to the good news about Jesus.
Calls to Action: The teaching naturally leads to the eunuch's request for baptism.

Priscilla/Aquila & Apollos

Acts 18:24-28

Identifies Potential: They recognized Apollos's gift and passion but also his incomplete knowledge.
Disciples Privately: They invited him to their home to avoid public embarrassment.
Corrects Gently: They "explained to him the way of God more accurately."
Empowers for Ministry: Their mentoring made Apollos a powerful asset for the churches in Achaia.

Strategic Missions: Paul's Church Planting Model

The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys were not just preaching tours; they were systematic efforts to plant and establish local communities of disciples who could then carry the mission forward themselves. Click on a city to see the pattern of his work.

Leadership Development: Ensuring the Future

A crucial part of long-term discipleship was identifying, training, and empowering local leaders. Paul's relationship with Timothy and Titus provides the clearest model of this intentional, generational approach.

The 2 Timothy 2:2 Principle

Paul outlines a four-generation model for passing on the faith, ensuring its stability and continued expansion.

1. Paul

(Apostolic Source)

→

2. Timothy

(Trusted Apprentice)

→

3. Faithful Men

(Qualified Leaders)

→

4. Others

(The Next Generation)

Key Instructions for Leaders

From 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus

Guard the Gospel: Protect and faithfully teach sound doctrine.
Set an Example: Live a life of integrity in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
Appoint Elders: Identify and install qualified, godly men to lead local churches.
Correct Error: Address false teaching and division with patience and authority.
Endure Hardship: Remain steadfast in ministry despite opposition.

The Goal: Healthy Churches

The ultimate purpose of developing leaders was not just knowledge transfer, but the establishment of stable, self-sustaining local churches.

Healthy churches, led by qualified elders, become hubs of discipleship where the "one another" commands of the Epistles (e.g., "teach and admonish one another," Col. 3:16) can be fully realized. This shows that discipleship moves from apostolic intervention to community responsibility.