Life among the Believers

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

(Acts 2:43-47)

Anina walked with her brother in the crowd heading home from the temple. Many weeks had passed since the spectacle at Shavuot and Peter’s fiery address.

It really is amazing, she thought. In the blink of an eye, their tiny band of believers had grown exponentially. There were thousands now, claiming Jesus as their Messiah. How can this be possible?

Yakov the carpenter waved at them from his shop, smiling broadly. He wasn’t part of their growing community, but—like most in Jerusalem—he seemed to admire their way of life.

“Everyone loves us,” Thomas said.

“So it appears,” Anina replied. “But not that long ago they wanted the Teacher dead.”

Thomas looked around at the well-wishers greeting them warmly.

“I know,” he said. “It makes you wonder …”

His voice trailed off. His sister finished his sentence.

“How long can this go on?”