The tiny and close group of original disciples – all of whom had seen, heard, and been taught by Jesus Himself (including the human mother of Jesus and family members) – had swollen to form many small groups and congregations across the Roman Empire, stretching far beyond the tiny conclaves in Judea to modern-day Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Everywhere the Gospel was carried, so were miraculous acts muscularly boosting the credibility of the message. Some opponents were struck blind, speechless, and in some cases divinely put to death, while adherents were miraculously healed, saved from disaster, granted divine favor in front of high-level government officials, and much more. Disciples were powerfully “turning the world upside down”.
At one time, the growing assembly of disciples – led by 12 men to all corners of the Roman Empire and beyond (plus a special appointment from a previous adversary) seemed unstoppable.
But now, a different kind of “growth” was occurring. Serious issues of contamination were seeping in.