Changes

==Early church==

==Early church==

The fervor of the Christians at that time was very great. They had all things in common. As many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and delivered the price to the Apostles, and this money was distributed as anyone had need. But a certain [[Ananias]], with [[Saphira]] his wife, sold a possession and kept back part of the price, the wife being accessory to the deed. Peter is inspired by the Holy Spirit to know the deception, and rebukes Ananias for the lie to the Holy Spirit. At the rebuke the man falls dead. Saphira, coming up afterwards, and knowing nothing of the death of her husband, is interrogated by Peter regarding the transaction. She also keeps back a part of the price, and lyingly asserts that the full price has been brought to the Apostles. Peter rebukes her and she also falls dead at his words. The multitude saw in the death of Ananias and Saphira God's punishment, and great fear came upon them all. This miracle of God's punishment of [[sin]] also confirmed the faith of those that believed and drew disciples to them. At this stage of the early Church [[miracle]]s were necessary to attest the truth of their teaching. The power of miracles was abundantly bestowed upon the Apostles. These miracles are not reviewed in detail in Acts, but it is stated: "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people".<ref>Acts 5:12</ref>  Multitudes both of men and women were added to the Christian community. The people of [[Jerusalem]] carried out the sick and laid them on beds and couches in the streets that the shadow of Peter might fall on them. They brought the sick from the cities round about Jerusalem, and every one was healed.

The fervor of the Christians at that time was very great. They had all things in common. As many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and delivered the price to the Apostles, and this money was distributed as anyone had need. But a certain Ananias, with Saphira his wife, sold a possession and kept back part of the price, the wife being accessory to the deed. Peter is inspired by the Holy Spirit to know the deception, and rebukes Ananias for the lie to the Holy Spirit. At the rebuke the man falls dead. Saphira, coming up afterwards, and knowing nothing of the death of her husband, is interrogated by Peter regarding the transaction. She also keeps back a part of the price, and lyingly asserts that the full price has been brought to the Apostles. Peter rebukes her and she also falls dead at his words. The multitude saw in the death of Ananias and Saphira God's punishment, and great fear came upon them all. This miracle of God's punishment of [[sin]] also confirmed the faith of those that believed and drew disciples to them. At this stage of the early Church [[miracle]]s were necessary to attest the truth of their teaching. The power of miracles was abundantly bestowed upon the Apostles. These miracles are not reviewed in detail in Acts, but it is stated: "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people".<ref>Acts 5:12</ref>  Multitudes both of men and women were added to the Christian community. The people of [[Jerusalem]] carried out the sick and laid them on beds and couches in the streets that the shadow of Peter might fall on them. They brought the sick from the cities round about Jerusalem, and every one was healed.

The most powerful sect among the Jews at this time were the [[Sadducees]]. They were especially opposed to the Christian religion on account of the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. <!--So they were "Sad, you see"-->The truth of the Apostles' teaching was: Life Everlasting through Jesus, Who was [[crucified]] for our sins, and Who is risen from the dead. The High-Priest [[Annas]] favored the Sadducees, and his son Ananus. who afterwards became High-Priest, ''was'' a Sadducee. <ref>Josephus, Antiq., XX, viii</ref> This made Annas and Caiphas enemies of  the Apostles of Christ. The Acts leaves us in no doubt as to the motive that inspired the High-Priest and the sectaries: "They were filled with jealousy". The religious leaders of the Old Law saw their influence with the people waning before the power which worked in the Apostles of Christ. An angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought the Apostles out, and bade them go and preach in the Temple. The council of the Jews, not finding Peter and John in the prison, and learning of their miraculous deliverance, are much perplexed. On information that they are teaching in the Temple, they send and take them, but without violence, fearing the people. It is evident throughout that the common people are disposed to follow the Apostles.<br>

The most powerful sect among the Jews at this time were the [[Sadducees]]. They were especially opposed to the Christian religion on account of the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. <!--So they were "Sad, you see"-->The truth of the Apostles' teaching was: Life Everlasting through Jesus, Who was [[crucified]] for our sins, and Who is risen from the dead. The High-Priest [[Annas]] favored the Sadducees, and his son Ananus. who afterwards became High-Priest, ''was'' a Sadducee. <ref>Josephus, Antiq., XX, viii</ref> This made Annas and Caiphas enemies of  the Apostles of Christ. The Acts leaves us in no doubt as to the motive that inspired the High-Priest and the sectaries: "They were filled with jealousy". The religious leaders of the Old Law saw their influence with the people waning before the power which worked in the Apostles of Christ. An angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought the Apostles out, and bade them go and preach in the Temple. The council of the Jews, not finding Peter and John in the prison, and learning of their miraculous deliverance, are much perplexed. On information that they are teaching in the Temple, they send and take them, but without violence, fearing the people. It is evident throughout that the common people are disposed to follow the Apostles.<br>

The council accuses the Apostles that, contrary to its former injunction not to teach in Christ's name, they had filled Jerusalem with Christ's teaching. Peter's defense is that they must obey God rather than men. He then boldly reiterates the doctrine of the Redemption and of the Resurrection. The council is minded to kill the Apostles.<br>

The council accuses the Apostles that, contrary to its former injunction not to teach in Christ's name, they had filled Jerusalem with Christ's teaching. Peter's defense is that they must obey God rather than men. He then boldly reiterates the doctrine of the Redemption and of the Resurrection. The council is minded to kill the Apostles.<br>