Quotes About Community

While the man clung to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and ran to them in the walkway called Solomonís Colonnade.

And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

Everyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among his people.í

But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.

“What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it.

After further threats they let them go. They could not find a way to punish them, because all the people were glorifying God for what had happened.

On their release, Peter and John returned to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them.

After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.

With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all.

There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales,

and lay them at the apostlesí feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),

sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostlesí feet.

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.

With his wifeís full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostlesí feet.

On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened.

And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events.

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomonís Colonnade.

Although the people regarded them highly, no one else dared to join them.

Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women.

As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that at least Peterís shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.

“Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”