Acts 5:14

And believers were the more added to the Lord - Believers:

1. Those who credited the Divine mission of Christ.

2. That he was the Messiah.

3. That he died for their sins.

4. That he rose again.

5. That he ascended into heaven.

6. That he sent down the gift of the Holy Spirit.

7. That he ever appeared in the presence of God for them.

8. That it was he who gives repentance and remission of sins. And,

9. He by whom the world is to be judged.

These were simple articles, of the truth of which they had the fullest evidence.

And believers - This is the name by which Christians were designated, because one of the main things that distinguished them was that they "believed" that Jesus was the Christ. It is also an incidental proof that none should join themselves to the church who are not "believers"; that is, who do not profess to be Christians in heart and in life.

Were the more added - The effect of all these things was to increase the number of converts. Their persecutions, their preaching, and the judgment of God, "all" tended to impress the minds of the people, and to lead them to the Lord Jesus Christ. Compare Acts 4:4. Though the judgment of God had the effect of deterring hypocrites from entering the church - though it produced awe and caution, yet still the number of true converts was increased. An effort to keep the church pure by wholesome discipline, and by cutting off unworthy members, however rich or honored, so far from weakening its true strength, has a tendency greatly to increase its numbers as well as its purity. People will not seek to enter a corrupt church, or regard it as worth any effort to be connected with a society that does not endeavor to be pure.

Multitudes - Compare Acts 4:4.

5:14 But so much the more were true believers added, because unbelievers kept at a distance.