“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith - the result of the Seven's appointment is not just relief of tension but explosive growth. 'The word of God spread' (ho logos tou theou ēuxane, the word was growing) uses botanical metaphor for organic expansion. The note that 'a large number of priests became obedient to the faith' (polon plēthos tōn hierōn hypekooun tē pistei) is remarkable—priests, the institutional opposition, are converting. The institutional structure enables the missional expansion.
Church Fathers on Acts 6:7
And the word of God, it says, increased: and the number of the disciples multiplied. Acts 6:7 It is not for nothing that he says this: it shows how great is the virtue of alms and good order. And as he is about in the sequel to enlarge (αὔξειν) upon the affair of Stephen, he puts first the causes which led to it. And many, he says, of the priests were obedient to the faith. For since they perceived such to be the mind of their ruler and teacher, they put the matter to the…
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