The Early Church

“This has come true in this city, since Herod and Pontius Pilate, with Goyim and the peoples of Isra’el, all assembled against your holy servant Yeshua, whom you made Messiah,

to do what your power and plan had already determined beforehand should happen.

“So now, Lord, take note of their threats; and enable your slaves to speak your message with boldness!

Stretch out your hand to heal and to do signs and miracles through the name of your holy servant Yeshua!”

While they were still praying, the place where they were gathered was shaken. They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, and they spoke God’s message with boldness.

All the many believers were one in heart and soul, and no one claimed any of his possessions for himself, but everyone shared everything he had.

With great power the emissaries continued testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and they were all held in high regard.

No one among them was poor, since those who owned lands or houses sold them and turned over the proceeds

to the emissaries to distribute to each according to his need.

Thus Yosef, whom the emissaries called Bar-Nabba (which means “the Exhorter”), a Levi and a native of Cyprus,

sold a field which belonged to him and brought the money to the emissaries.

But there was a man named Hananyah who, with his wife Shappirah, sold some property

and, with his wife’s knowledge, withheld some of the proceeds for himself; although he did bring the rest to the emissaries.

Then Kefa said, “Why has the Adversary so filled your heart that you lie to the Ruach HaKodesh and keep back some of the money you received for the land?

Before you sold it, the property was yours; and after you sold it, the money was yours to use as you pleased. So what made you decide to do such a thing? You have lied not to human beings but to God!”

On hearing these words, Hananyah fell down dead; and everyone who heard about it was terrified.

The young men got up, wrapped his body in a shroud, carried him out and buried him.

Some three hours later, his wife came in, unaware of what had happened.

Kefa challenged her: “Tell me, is it true that you sold the land for such-and-such a price?” “Yes,” she answered, “that is what we were paid for it.”

But Kefa came back at her, “Then why did you people plot to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The men who buried your husband are at the door. They will carry you out too!”

Instantly she collapsed at his feet and died. The young men entered, found her there dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

As a result of this, great fear came over the whole Messianic community, and indeed over everyone who heard about it.

Meanwhile, through the emissaries many signs and miracles continued to be done among the people. United in mind and purpose, the believers met in Shlomo’s Colonnade;

and no one else dared to join them. Nevertheless, the people continued to regard them highly;

and throngs of believers were added to the Lord, both men and women.