We continue this issue to the Systematic Study of the New Testament, which includes the study of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and the book of Acts. The study is based on the Portuguese version of the New Testament that the reader can see from this link: http://www.bibliaonline.com.br/asv/mt/1. 

Relevant answers to questions are at the end of the text below. 

Questions 

1. They lived in the early days, the early Christians?

2. What happened to Ananias and Sapphira his wife, that selling a property, retained part of the price that would be devoted to the apostolic community?

3. We know that many miracles were done by the apostles, making use of his hands. Peter also cured by laying their hands, or acted differently?

4. How the apostles were able to escape the prison service, where they were imprisoned by order of the high priest?

5. Admonished by the priest not to teach doctrine brought by Jesus, that answer was given by Peter and his companions?

Text for reading 

6. Appears in the middle of Christians Barnabas the Levite - As followers of Jesus lived in community, there was no needy among them. Everyone who owned land or houses sold everything and took the money and handed to the apostles. The distribution was made according to the needs of each. So it is that Joseph, a Levite born in Cyprus and dubbed by the apostles of 'Barnabas' (meaning son of consolation), sold the field he owned and was handing money to the apostles. (Acts, 4:34 to 4:37.)  

7. The apostles decide to admit seven helpers in his services - that time, the number of disciples increased and the Greek-speaking people began to complain against those who spoke Hebrew, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution of aid. For this reason, the twelve apostles convened the meeting of all the disciples and said: "It is wrong to stop preaching the word of God by serving tables. Therefore, brothers, you must choose from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Holy Ghost and wisdom, and we will appoint over this function. As for us, we will continue to devote all their time in prayer and service to the Word." The proposal pleased the whole assembly and it was done. (Acts 6:1 to 6:5.)  

8. Stephen's advice is taken and condemned to stoning - Arrested and taken to the council, Stephen, who was one of seven assistants elected by the disciples, before the high priest made a long speech in which he recalled the life and deeds of Abraham and Moses, saying that the stubbornness and hardness of heart has always been a feature of the Hebrew people in the face of the message from God. Stephen then told them: "Let us stubborn, deaf and hard of heart to God's message! Always resist the Holy Spirit: now you act as your ancestors used to. What was the prophet to your fathers not persecute? Even killed those who had prophesied the coming of the Righteous which you have become betrayers and murderers." "You are those who received the law by angels and not fulfilled it." Hearing this, the Pharisees and the priests were enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen, who shortly thereafter was sentenced to death by stoning. (Acts, 7:51 to 7:54.)  

9. Dead Stephen begins a violent persecution against the Church - Saul (who later became known as the Apostle Paul of Tarsus) had approved the murder of Stephen, a fact that began a violent persecution against the Church of Jerusalem. The followers of Jesus, except the apostles were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Some pious people buried the body of Stephen and made great mourning. Saul, however, invading and ravaging the church houses, dragging men and women who were taken to prison. (Acts 8:1 to 8:3.)  

Answers to questions 

1. They lived in the early days, the early Christians?  

They lived as a community. All the things they were common. There was no needy person among them, because those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the price of what was sold, and laid at the feet of the apostles. And distribution was made to each according to need each had. (Acts, 4:32 to 4:35. See also: Acts 2:44 to 2:46.) 

2. What happened to Ananias and Sapphira his wife, that selling a property, retained part of the price that would be devoted to the apostolic community? 

By knowing the fact, Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land? Saving it was not for you? And sold, was not under your control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.

 Ananias, hearing these words fell down and expired. And great fear came on all who heard it. Passing a space of three hours, when his wife, not knowing what had happened. Peter said to him: Tell me, how you sold the land? "She said: We sell for so much. Then Peter said unto him, Why is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold the feet of the door who buried your husband, and they will carry you. Soon the woman fell at his feet, and expired. And the young men, found her dead and buried beside her husband. (Acts 5:1 to 5:10.)

3. We know that many miracles were done by the apostles, making use of his hands. Peter also cured by laying their hands, or acted differently? 

Peter healed up without laying hands. They carried the sick into the streets and laid them on beds for at least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. And even the cities round about us to Jerusalem, bringing sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, who were all healed. (Acts, 5:12 to 5:16.)

4. How the apostles were able to escape the prison service, where they were imprisoned by order of the high priest? 

At night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, said: "Go and present yourselves in the temple and tell the people the words of this life. Hearing this, they entered the temple early in the morning, and taught. When the guards have turned to them in prison, not found. Here's what they said: We found the prison closed, safely, and the guards, who were outside before the doors, but when we opened, we found no one inside.

At this point, one coming and told them: Behold, the men in prison are in the temple and teaching the people. (Acts, 5:16 to 5:25.) 

5. Admonished by the priest not to teach doctrine brought by Jesus, that answer was given by Peter and his companions? 

Peter and the apostles said unto him, We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. God with his right hand raised to the Prince and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things, and also the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. (Acts, 5:25 to 5:32.)