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We believe that the Bible is the Holy Word of God. We believe that the Word of God supersedes any man-made law that contradicts the Holy Scriptures. We believe in one God, who exists in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe that God created the universe and everything in it. We believe that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, born without sin, and that He was crucified for our sins, was buried, rose again, and ascended to heaven. We believe that heaven is the final, eternal home for all who believe in Jesus Christ and accept His sacrifice on the cross. |
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Paul preaching.
By French neoclassical artist Eustache Le Sueur (1617-1655).
By French neoclassical artist Eustache Le Sueur (1617-1655).
The Early Christians
We tend to think that the first Christians were of modest or lowly means. And it's true; many were beggars, servants, and slaves. Others were poor fishermen and shepherds. Another convert was the thief who hung on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:39-43). But there were also wealthy, prominent early Christians who held powerful positions.
For example, there was -
Joanna - Joanna was the well-connected wife of Chuza, King Herod's steward. Chuza ran the royal palace. Jesus miraculously healed Joanna (Luke 8:2-3), and she became a devoted supporter. She was among the first to spread the news of Jesus' resurrection (Luke 24:10).
The man of Ethiopia - This unnamed Christian was a man of "great authority." He was a high-ranking government official who reported to Candace, the Queen of Ethiopia. He was in charge of "all her treasure" (Acts 8:27).
Cornelius - Cornelius was a career army officer in the Roman army. He was a centurion with the "Italian band" (Acts 10:1) and had one hundred men under his command. Stationed in Caesarea, the capital of Palestine, Cornelius was the first Gentile to be baptized (Acts 10:46-48).
Manaen - A prophet and teacher. We learn in Acts 13:1 that Manaen was raised with King Herod. Some Bible scholars believe they were close childhood friends, while others think they were step-brothers.
Sergius Paulus - Sergius was the Roman Governor of Cyprus (Acts 13:12). He became a believer after seeing Elymas, the evil sorcerer, struck blind by Paul (Acts 13:8-11).
The leading women of Thessalonica - (Acts 17:4).
Prominent, well-known Greek men and women of Berea (Acts 17:12).
Erastus - Erastus was the chamberlain (treasurer) for the city of Corinth (Romans 16:23). Erastus handled the city finances and was probably an influential town leader. After his conversion, he left his high-profile position and went to Asia to minister (Acts 19:22).
Emperor Nero's staff - (Philippians 4:22).
Joseph of Arimathaea - Joseph was a Pharisee and wealthy (Matthew 27:57) member of the powerful Jewish high council (Luke 23:50-51). He became a follower of Jesus (John 19:38) but kept his faith secret out of fear of the Pharisees (John 12:42). Joseph was absent the night the high council condemned the Messiah to death (Luke 23:50-51). Joseph begged Pilate for Jesus' crucified body (Mark 15:43), took Him down from the cross (Mark 15:43-46), prepared the Messiah for burial, and supplied the tomb for Jesus to be buried in (Matthew 27:57-60).
Nicodemus - Like Joseph of Arimathaea, Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish high council. Nicodemus believed that Jesus performed miracles and was sent by God (John 3:1-2). He secretly visited Jesus in the dead of night and defended Him (John 7:50-51). When Nicodemus was absent, the Jewish high council (Sanhedrin) convicted Jesus of blasphemy. After the crucifixion, when Jesus' disciples had gone into hiding, Nicodemus risked his high position to help bury our Lord (John 19:39-40). Many Bible scholars believe Nicodemus was one of the three wealthiest men in Jerusalem, but he gave it all up to follow Jesus.
Can you think of others?
We tend to think that the first Christians were of modest or lowly means. And it's true; many were beggars, servants, and slaves. Others were poor fishermen and shepherds. Another convert was the thief who hung on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:39-43). But there were also wealthy, prominent early Christians who held powerful positions.
For example, there was -
Joanna - Joanna was the well-connected wife of Chuza, King Herod's steward. Chuza ran the royal palace. Jesus miraculously healed Joanna (Luke 8:2-3), and she became a devoted supporter. She was among the first to spread the news of Jesus' resurrection (Luke 24:10).
The man of Ethiopia - This unnamed Christian was a man of "great authority." He was a high-ranking government official who reported to Candace, the Queen of Ethiopia. He was in charge of "all her treasure" (Acts 8:27).
Cornelius - Cornelius was a career army officer in the Roman army. He was a centurion with the "Italian band" (Acts 10:1) and had one hundred men under his command. Stationed in Caesarea, the capital of Palestine, Cornelius was the first Gentile to be baptized (Acts 10:46-48).
Manaen - A prophet and teacher. We learn in Acts 13:1 that Manaen was raised with King Herod. Some Bible scholars believe they were close childhood friends, while others think they were step-brothers.
Sergius Paulus - Sergius was the Roman Governor of Cyprus (Acts 13:12). He became a believer after seeing Elymas, the evil sorcerer, struck blind by Paul (Acts 13:8-11).
The leading women of Thessalonica - (Acts 17:4).
Prominent, well-known Greek men and women of Berea (Acts 17:12).
Erastus - Erastus was the chamberlain (treasurer) for the city of Corinth (Romans 16:23). Erastus handled the city finances and was probably an influential town leader. After his conversion, he left his high-profile position and went to Asia to minister (Acts 19:22).
Emperor Nero's staff - (Philippians 4:22).
Joseph of Arimathaea - Joseph was a Pharisee and wealthy (Matthew 27:57) member of the powerful Jewish high council (Luke 23:50-51). He became a follower of Jesus (John 19:38) but kept his faith secret out of fear of the Pharisees (John 12:42). Joseph was absent the night the high council condemned the Messiah to death (Luke 23:50-51). Joseph begged Pilate for Jesus' crucified body (Mark 15:43), took Him down from the cross (Mark 15:43-46), prepared the Messiah for burial, and supplied the tomb for Jesus to be buried in (Matthew 27:57-60).
Nicodemus - Like Joseph of Arimathaea, Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish high council. Nicodemus believed that Jesus performed miracles and was sent by God (John 3:1-2). He secretly visited Jesus in the dead of night and defended Him (John 7:50-51). When Nicodemus was absent, the Jewish high council (Sanhedrin) convicted Jesus of blasphemy. After the crucifixion, when Jesus' disciples had gone into hiding, Nicodemus risked his high position to help bury our Lord (John 19:39-40). Many Bible scholars believe Nicodemus was one of the three wealthiest men in Jerusalem, but he gave it all up to follow Jesus.
Can you think of others?