It's seems that the "word of God spread" most rapidly after the first "non-prophets" were set apart in Acts 6.
I have to wonder what happened to the formal group of twelve who had decided to give their attention solely to "prayer and ministry of the word" rather than the needs of widows and daily distribution of food..."waiting on tables."
Things move fast with Deacon Stephen's stoning which captures the attention of the uber-religious Saul of Taursus. Later Peter is off with Cornelius and the gentiles. Saul who became Paul, ends up in jail with Silas, and Barnabus soon breaks off with John Mark, etc.
Seems more scattering than gathering?
The word translated "church" in the English Bible is ekklesia. This word is the Greek words kaleo (to call), with the prefix ek (out). Thus, the word means "the called out ones." However, the English word "church" does not come from ekklesia but from the word kuriakon, which means "dedicated to the Lord." The latter implying a formal structure.
Interesting!