Peter writes a new faith community to encourage them to uphold the values and purpose of the Temple, wherever they lived or traveled.

The harder the religious authorities tried to control and suppress the early followers of Jesus, the more the movement spread into surrounding communities.

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Stephen is one of the great leaders of the early church and because of that he must stand trial before the Jerusalem Council. He recounts the history of God breaking through human bitterness and anger to provide a new way. The Council rages against Stephen and reacts violently, but they cannot change his belief.

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Laura-Allen mentioned a book by Kate Bowler - Joyful Anyway

Elise Erikson Barrett joins me to discuss an point of contention in the early church and a violent reaction to a faithful leader.

Link to Bible chart - https://bit.ly/CompleteBibleNotes

Link to Elise's book - https://amzn.to/3QnbIrU

When the disciples defy authorities in the Temple one too many times, they are dragged to jail and brought before the council. The outcome is better than anyone would expect.

When the disciples defy authorities in the Temple one too many times, they are dragged to jail and brought before the council. The outcome is better than anyone would expect.

Peter and the followers of Jesus experience deception, confusion, and death for the first time in the short history of their group, then must decide what to do next.

The early church has one of its first difficult moments as a couple is accused and convicted of withholding gifts while simultaneously seeking credit. The embarrassing moment has dire consequences for the couple and the community.

Complete Bible Notes - https://bit.ly/CompleteBibleNotes