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194:0.1 About one o'clock, as the one hundred and twenty [[believers]] were [[engaged]] in [[prayer]], they all became [[aware]] of a [[strange]] [[presence]] in the room. At the [[same time]] these [[disciples]] all became [[conscious]] of a new and [[profound]] sense of [[spiritual]] [[joy]], [[security]], and [[confidence]]. This new [[consciousness]] of spiritual [[strength]] was [[immediately]] followed by a strong [[urge]] to go out and publicly [[proclaim]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] and the good news that [[Jesus]] had [[Resurrection|risen]] from the [[dead]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_acts#Acts.2]
 
194:0.1 About one o'clock, as the one hundred and twenty [[believers]] were [[engaged]] in [[prayer]], they all became [[aware]] of a [[strange]] [[presence]] in the room. At the [[same time]] these [[disciples]] all became [[conscious]] of a new and [[profound]] sense of [[spiritual]] [[joy]], [[security]], and [[confidence]]. This new [[consciousness]] of spiritual [[strength]] was [[immediately]] followed by a strong [[urge]] to go out and publicly [[proclaim]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] and the good news that [[Jesus]] had [[Resurrection|risen]] from the [[dead]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_acts#Acts.2]
   −
194:0.2 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] stood up and [[declared]] that this must be the coming of the [[Spirit of Truth]] which [[the Master]] had [[promised]] them and [[proposed]] that they go to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] and begin the [[proclamation]] of the good news [[committed]] to their hands. And they did just what [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] suggested.
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194:0.2 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] stood up and [[declared]] that this must be the coming of the [[Spirit of Truth]] which [[the Master]] had [[promised]] them and [[proposed]] that they go to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] and begin the [[proclamation]] of the good news [[committed]] to their hands. And they did just what [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] suggested.
   −
194:0.3 These men had been [[trained]] and [[instructed]] that the [[gospel]] which they should [[preach]] was the [[fatherhood]] of [[God]] and the [[sonship]] of man, but at just this [[moment]] of [[spiritual]] [[ecstasy]] and [[personal]] [[triumph]], the best tidings, the greatest news, these men could [[think]] of was the [[fact]] of the [[Resurrection|risen]] [[the Master|Master]]. And so they went forth, [[endowed]] with [[power]] from on high, [[preaching]] glad tidings to [[the people]]—even [[salvation]] through [[Jesus]]—but they unintentionally stumbled into the [[error]] of [[substituting]] some of the [[facts]] [[associated]] with the [[gospel]] for the gospel [[message]] itself. [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] unwittingly led off in this [[mistake]], and others followed after him on down to [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], who [[created]] a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_religious_movement new religion] out of the new version of the [[Gospel|good news]].
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194:0.3 These men had been [[trained]] and [[instructed]] that the [[gospel]] which they should [[preach]] was the [[fatherhood]] of [[God]] and the [[sonship]] of man, but at just this [[moment]] of [[spiritual]] [[ecstasy]] and [[personal]] [[triumph]], the best tidings, the greatest news, these men could [[think]] of was the [[fact]] of the [[Resurrection|risen]] [[the Master|Master]]. And so they went forth, [[endowed]] with [[power]] from on high, [[preaching]] glad tidings to [[the people]]—even [[salvation]] through [[Jesus]]—but they unintentionally stumbled into the [[error]] of [[substituting]] some of the [[facts]] [[associated]] with the [[gospel]] for the gospel [[message]] itself. [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] unwittingly led off in this [[mistake]], and others followed after him on down to [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], who [[created]] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_religious_movement new religion] out of the new version of the [[Gospel|good news]].
   −
194:0.4 The [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] is: the [[fact]] of the [[fatherhood]] of [[God]], coupled with the resultant [[truth]] of the [[sonship]]-brotherhood of men. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity Christianity], as it [[developed]] from that day, is: the [[fact]] of [[God]] as [[the Father]] of the Lord [[Jesus]] [[Christ]], in [[association]] with the [[experience]] of [[believer]]-fellowship with the [[Resurrection|risen]] and [[glorified]] [[Christ]].
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194:0.4 The [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] is: the [[fact]] of the [[fatherhood]] of [[God]], coupled with the resultant [[truth]] of the [[sonship]]-brotherhood of men. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity Christianity], as it [[developed]] from that day, is: the [[fact]] of [[God]] as [[the Father]] of the Lord [[Jesus]] [[Christ]], in [[association]] with the [[experience]] of [[believer]]-fellowship with the [[Resurrection|risen]] and [[glorified]] [[Christ]].
    
194:0.5 It is not [[strange]] that these [[spirit]]-[[infused]] men should have seized upon this [[opportunity]] to [[express]] their [[feelings]] of [[triumph]] over the [[forces]] which had sought to destroy [[the Master|their Master]] and end the [[influence]] of his [[teachings]]. At such a [[time]] as this it was easier to [[remember]] their [[personal]] [[association]] with [[Jesus]] and to be thrilled with the [[assurance]] that [[the Master]] still lived, that their [[friendship]] had not ended, and that [[Spirit of Truth|the spirit]] had indeed come upon them even as he had [[promised]].
 
194:0.5 It is not [[strange]] that these [[spirit]]-[[infused]] men should have seized upon this [[opportunity]] to [[express]] their [[feelings]] of [[triumph]] over the [[forces]] which had sought to destroy [[the Master|their Master]] and end the [[influence]] of his [[teachings]]. At such a [[time]] as this it was easier to [[remember]] their [[personal]] [[association]] with [[Jesus]] and to be thrilled with the [[assurance]] that [[the Master]] still lived, that their [[friendship]] had not ended, and that [[Spirit of Truth|the spirit]] had indeed come upon them even as he had [[promised]].
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==194:1. THE PENTECOST SERMON==
 
==194:1. THE PENTECOST SERMON==
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194:1.1 [[The apostles]] had been in [[hiding]] for forty days. This day happened to be the [[Jewish]] festival of [[Pentecost]], and thousands of [[visitors]] from all parts of the world were in [[Jerusalem]]. Many arrived for this feast, but a [[majority]] had tarried in the city since the [[Passover]]. Now these frightened [[apostles]] emerged from their weeks of [[seclusion]] to [[appear]] [[boldly]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple], where they began to [[preach]] the new [[message]] of a [[Resurrection|risen]] [[Messiah]]. And all the [[disciples]] were likewise [[conscious]] of having [[received]] some new [[spiritual]] [[endowment]] of [[insight]] and [[power]].
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194:1.1 [[The apostles]] had been in [[hiding]] for forty days. This day happened to be the [[Jewish]] festival of [[Pentecost]], and thousands of [[visitors]] from all parts of the world were in [[Jerusalem]]. Many arrived for this feast, but a [[majority]] had tarried in the city since the [[Passover]]. Now these frightened [[apostles]] emerged from their weeks of [[seclusion]] to [[appear]] [[boldly]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple], where they began to [[preach]] the new [[message]] of a [[Resurrection|risen]] [[Messiah]]. And all the [[disciples]] were likewise [[conscious]] of having [[received]] some new [[spiritual]] [[endowment]] of [[insight]] and [[power]].
   −
194:1.2 It was about two o'clock when [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] stood up in that very place where his [[the Master|Master]] had last taught in this [[temple]], and delivered that impassioned [[appeal]] which resulted in the winning of more than two thousand [[souls]]. [[The Master]] had gone, but they suddenly [[discovered]] that this [[story]] about him had great [[power]] with [[the people]]. No [[wonder]] they were led on into the further [[proclamation]] of that which [[vindicated]] their former [[devotion]] to [[Jesus]] and at the [[same time]] so constrained men to [[believe]] in him. Six of [[the apostles]] [[participated]] in this [[meeting]]: [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], [[John, the Apostle|John]], [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]], and [[Matthew, the Apostle|Matthew]]. They [[talked]] for more than an hour and a half and delivered [[messages]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_language Hebrew], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic], as well as a few [[words]] in even other tongues with which they had a speaking acquaintance.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_acts#Acts.2]
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194:1.2 It was about two o'clock when [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] stood up in that very place where his [[the Master|Master]] had last taught in this [[temple]], and delivered that impassioned [[appeal]] which resulted in the winning of more than two thousand [[souls]]. [[The Master]] had gone, but they suddenly [[discovered]] that this [[story]] about him had great [[power]] with [[the people]]. No [[wonder]] they were led on into the further [[proclamation]] of that which [[vindicated]] their former [[devotion]] to [[Jesus]] and at the [[same time]] so constrained men to [[believe]] in him. Six of [[the apostles]] [[participated]] in this [[meeting]]: [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], [[John, the Apostle|John]], [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]], and [[Matthew, the Apostle|Matthew]]. They [[talked]] for more than an hour and a half and delivered [[messages]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_language Hebrew], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic], as well as a few [[words]] in even other tongues with which they had a speaking acquaintance.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_acts#Acts.2]
    
194:1.3 The [[leaders]] of the [[Jews]] were astounded at the [[boldness]] of [[the apostles]], but they [[feared]] to [[molest]] them because of the large numbers who [[believed]] their [[story]].
 
194:1.3 The [[leaders]] of the [[Jews]] were astounded at the [[boldness]] of [[the apostles]], but they [[feared]] to [[molest]] them because of the large numbers who [[believed]] their [[story]].
   −
194:1.4 By half past four o'clock more than two thousand new [[believers]] followed [[the apostles]] down to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_of_Siloam pool of Siloam], where [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] [[baptized]] them in [[the Master]]'s name. And it was [[dark]] when they had finished with [[baptizing]] this multitude.
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194:1.4 By half past four o'clock more than two thousand new [[believers]] followed [[the apostles]] down to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_of_Siloam pool of Siloam], where [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] [[baptized]] them in [[the Master]]'s name. And it was [[dark]] when they had finished with [[baptizing]] this multitude.
   −
194:1.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] was the great festival of [[baptism]], the time for fellowshipping the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple#The_Court_of_the_Gentiles proselytes of the gate], those [[gentiles]] who [[desired]] to serve [[Yahweh]]. It was, therefore, the more easy for large [[numbers]] of both the [[Jews]] and believing [[gentiles]] to submit to [[baptism]] on this day. In doing this, they were in no way disconnecting themselves from the [[Jewish]] [[faith]]. Even for some time after this the [[believers]] in [[Jesus]] were a [[sect]] within [[Judaism]]. All of them, including [[the apostles]], were still [[loyal]] to the [[essential]] requirements of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism#Jewish_observances Jewish ceremonial system].
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194:1.5 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] was the great festival of [[baptism]], the time for fellowshipping the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple#The_Court_of_the_Gentiles proselytes of the gate], those [[gentiles]] who [[desired]] to serve [[Yahweh]]. It was, therefore, the more easy for large [[numbers]] of both the [[Jews]] and believing [[gentiles]] to submit to [[baptism]] on this day. In doing this, they were in no way disconnecting themselves from the [[Jewish]] [[faith]]. Even for some time after this the [[believers]] in [[Jesus]] were a [[sect]] within [[Judaism]]. All of them, including [[the apostles]], were still [[loyal]] to the [[essential]] requirements of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism#Jewish_observances Jewish ceremonial system].
    
==194:2. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PENTECOST==
 
==194:2. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PENTECOST==
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==194:3. WHAT HAPPENED AT PENTECOST==
 
==194:3. WHAT HAPPENED AT PENTECOST==
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194:3.1 Many [[queer]] and [[strange]] teachings became [[associated]] with the early [[narratives]] of the day of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost]. In subsequent times the events of this day, on which the [[Spirit of Truth]], the new teacher, came to dwell with [[mankind]], have become [[confused]] with the [[foolish]] outbreaks of rampant [[emotionalism]]. The chief [[mission]] of this outpoured [[Spirit of Truth|spirit of the Father and the Son]] is to teach men about the [[truths]] of [[the Father]]'s love and [[Creator Son|the Son]]'s [[mercy]]. These are the [[truths]] of [[divinity]] which men can [[comprehend]] more fully than all the other [[divine]] [[traits]] of [[character]]. The [[Spirit of Truth]] is concerned primarily with the [[revelation]] of [[the Father]]'s spirit [[nature]] and [[Creator Son|the Son]]'s [[moral]] [[character]]. The [[Creator Son]], in the [[flesh]], [[revealed]] [[God]] to men; the [[Spirit of Truth]], in the [[heart]], [[reveals]] the [[Creator Son]] to men. When man yields the " [[fruits of the spirit]] " in his life, he is simply showing forth the [[traits]] which [[the Master]] [[manifested]] in his own earthly life. When [[Jesus]] was on [[earth]], he lived his life as one [[personality]]—[[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]]. As the indwelling spirit of the " new teacher, " [[the Master]] has, since [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], been able to live his life anew in the [[experience]] of every [[truth]]-taught [[believer]].
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194:3.1 Many [[queer]] and [[strange]] teachings became [[associated]] with the early [[narratives]] of the day of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost]. In subsequent times the events of this day, on which the [[Spirit of Truth]], the new teacher, came to dwell with [[mankind]], have become [[confused]] with the [[foolish]] outbreaks of rampant [[emotionalism]]. The chief [[mission]] of this outpoured [[Spirit of Truth|spirit of the Father and the Son]] is to teach men about the [[truths]] of [[the Father]]'s love and [[Creator Son|the Son]]'s [[mercy]]. These are the [[truths]] of [[divinity]] which men can [[comprehend]] more fully than all the other [[divine]] [[traits]] of [[character]]. The [[Spirit of Truth]] is concerned primarily with the [[revelation]] of [[the Father]]'s spirit [[nature]] and [[Creator Son|the Son]]'s [[moral]] [[character]]. The [[Creator Son]], in the [[flesh]], [[revealed]] [[God]] to men; the [[Spirit of Truth]], in the [[heart]], [[reveals]] the [[Creator Son]] to men. When man yields the " [[fruits of the spirit]] " in his life, he is simply showing forth the [[traits]] which [[the Master]] [[manifested]] in his own earthly life. When [[Jesus]] was on [[earth]], he lived his life as one [[personality]]—[[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]]. As the indwelling spirit of the " new teacher, " [[the Master]] has, since [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], been able to live his life anew in the [[experience]] of every [[truth]]-taught [[believer]].
   −
194:3.2 Many things which happen in the [[course]] of a human life are hard to [[understand]], [[difficult]] to [[reconcile]] with the [[idea]] that this is a [[universe]] in which [[truth]] prevails and in which [[righteousness]] [[triumphs]]. It so often appears that slander, lies, dishonesty, and unrighteousness—[[sin]]—prevail. Does [[faith]], after all, [[triumph]] over [[evil]], [[sin]], and [[iniquity]]? It does. And the life and [[death]] of [[Jesus]] are the [[eternal]] [[proof]] that the [[truth]] of [[goodness]] and the [[faith]] of the spirit-led [[creature]] will always be [[vindicated]]. They taunted [[Jesus]] on the [[cross]], saying, " Let us see if [[God]] will come and deliver him. " It looked [[dark]] on that day of the [[crucifixion]], but it was gloriously bright on the [[resurrection]] [[morning]]; it was still brighter and more [[joyous]] on the day of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost]. The [[religions]] of pessimistic despair seek to obtain release from the [[burdens]] of life; they crave [[extinction]] in endless slumber and [[rest]]. These are the [[religions]] of [[primitive]] [[fear]] and dread. The [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] is a new [[gospel]] of [[faith]] to be [[proclaimed]] to [[struggling]] [[humanity]]. This new [[religion]] is founded on [[faith]], [[hope]], and [[love]].
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194:3.2 Many things which happen in the [[course]] of a human life are hard to [[understand]], [[difficult]] to [[reconcile]] with the [[idea]] that this is a [[universe]] in which [[truth]] prevails and in which [[righteousness]] [[triumphs]]. It so often appears that slander, lies, dishonesty, and unrighteousness—[[sin]]—prevail. Does [[faith]], after all, [[triumph]] over [[evil]], [[sin]], and [[iniquity]]? It does. And the life and [[death]] of [[Jesus]] are the [[eternal]] [[proof]] that the [[truth]] of [[goodness]] and the [[faith]] of the spirit-led [[creature]] will always be [[vindicated]]. They taunted [[Jesus]] on the [[cross]], saying, " Let us see if [[God]] will come and deliver him. " It looked [[dark]] on that day of the [[crucifixion]], but it was gloriously bright on the [[resurrection]] [[morning]]; it was still brighter and more [[joyous]] on the day of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost]. The [[religions]] of pessimistic despair seek to obtain release from the [[burdens]] of life; they crave [[extinction]] in endless slumber and [[rest]]. These are the [[religions]] of [[primitive]] [[fear]] and dread. The [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] is a new [[gospel]] of [[faith]] to be [[proclaimed]] to [[struggling]] [[humanity]]. This new [[religion]] is founded on [[faith]], [[hope]], and [[love]].
    
194:3.3 To [[Jesus]], [[mortal]] life had dealt its hardest, cruelest, and bitterest blows; and this man met these ministrations of [[despair]] with [[faith]], [[courage]], and the unswerving [[determination]] to do [[the Father|his Father]]'s will. [[Jesus]] met life in all its terrible [[reality]] and mastered it—even in [[death]]. He did not use [[religion]] as a [[Escape|release]] from life. The [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] does not seek to [[escape]] this life in order to enjoy the waiting [[bliss]] of another [[existence]]. The [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] provides the [[joy]] and [[peace]] of another and [[spiritual]] [[existence]] to enhance and ennoble the life which men now live in the [[flesh]].
 
194:3.3 To [[Jesus]], [[mortal]] life had dealt its hardest, cruelest, and bitterest blows; and this man met these ministrations of [[despair]] with [[faith]], [[courage]], and the unswerving [[determination]] to do [[the Father|his Father]]'s will. [[Jesus]] met life in all its terrible [[reality]] and mastered it—even in [[death]]. He did not use [[religion]] as a [[Escape|release]] from life. The [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] does not seek to [[escape]] this life in order to enjoy the waiting [[bliss]] of another [[existence]]. The [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] provides the [[joy]] and [[peace]] of another and [[spiritual]] [[existence]] to enhance and ennoble the life which men now live in the [[flesh]].
   −
194:3.4 If [[religion]] is an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opiate opiate] to [[the people]], it is not the religion of [[Jesus]]. On the [[cross]] he refused to drink the deadening [[drug]], and his [[Spirit of Truth|spirit]], poured out upon all [[flesh]], is a mighty world [[influence]] which [[leads]] man upward and urges him onward. The [[spiritual]] forward urge is the most [[powerful]] driving [[force]] present in this world; the [[truth]]-learning [[believer]] is the one [[progressive]] and [[aggressive]] [[soul]] on [[earth]].
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194:3.4 If [[religion]] is an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opiate opiate] to [[the people]], it is not the religion of [[Jesus]]. On the [[cross]] he refused to drink the deadening [[drug]], and his [[Spirit of Truth|spirit]], poured out upon all [[flesh]], is a mighty world [[influence]] which [[leads]] man upward and urges him onward. The [[spiritual]] forward urge is the most [[powerful]] driving [[force]] present in this world; the [[truth]]-learning [[believer]] is the one [[progressive]] and [[aggressive]] [[soul]] on [[earth]].
   −
194:3.5 On the day of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] the [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] broke all [[national]] restrictions and [[racial]] fetters. It is forever true, " Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_III] On this day the [[Spirit of Truth]] became the [[personal]] [[gift]] from [[the Master]] to every [[mortal]]. This spirit was [[bestowed]] for the [[purpose]] of qualifying [[believers]] more effectively to [[preach]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]], but they mistook the [[experience]] of [[receiving]] the outpoured spirit for a part of the new [[gospel]] which they were [[unconscious]]ly [[formulating]].
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194:3.5 On the day of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] the [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] broke all [[national]] restrictions and [[racial]] fetters. It is forever true, " Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_III] On this day the [[Spirit of Truth]] became the [[personal]] [[gift]] from [[the Master]] to every [[mortal]]. This spirit was [[bestowed]] for the [[purpose]] of qualifying [[believers]] more effectively to [[preach]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]], but they mistook the [[experience]] of [[receiving]] the outpoured spirit for a part of the new [[gospel]] which they were [[unconscious]]ly [[formulating]].
   −
194:3.6 Do not overlook the [[fact]] that the [[Spirit of Truth]] was [[bestowed]] upon all [[sincere]] [[believers]]; this [[gift]] of the spirit did not come only to [[the apostles]]. The one hundred and twenty [[men]] and [[women]] assembled in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenacle upper chamber] all [[received]] the new teacher, as did all the [[honest]] of [[heart]] throughout the whole world. This new teacher was [[bestowed]] upon [[mankind]], and every [[soul]] [[received]] him in [[accordance]] with the [[love]] for [[truth]] and the [[capacity]] to grasp and [[comprehend]] [[spiritual]] [[realities]]. At last, true [[religion]] is delivered from the [[custody]] of [[priests]] and all [[sacred]] [[classes]] and finds its real [[manifestation]] in the [[individual]] [[souls]] of men.
+
194:3.6 Do not overlook the [[fact]] that the [[Spirit of Truth]] was [[bestowed]] upon all [[sincere]] [[believers]]; this [[gift]] of the spirit did not come only to [[the apostles]]. The one hundred and twenty [[men]] and [[women]] assembled in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenacle upper chamber] all [[received]] the new teacher, as did all the [[honest]] of [[heart]] throughout the whole world. This new teacher was [[bestowed]] upon [[mankind]], and every [[soul]] [[received]] him in [[accordance]] with the [[love]] for [[truth]] and the [[capacity]] to grasp and [[comprehend]] [[spiritual]] [[realities]]. At last, true [[religion]] is delivered from the [[custody]] of [[priests]] and all [[sacred]] [[classes]] and finds its real [[manifestation]] in the [[individual]] [[souls]] of men.
    
194:3.7 The [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] fosters the highest [[type]] of [[human]] [[civilization]] in that it creates the highest [[type]] of [[spiritual]] [[personality]] and [[proclaims]] the [[sacredness]] of that person.
 
194:3.7 The [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] fosters the highest [[type]] of [[human]] [[civilization]] in that it creates the highest [[type]] of [[spiritual]] [[personality]] and [[proclaims]] the [[sacredness]] of that person.
   −
194:3.8 The coming of the [[Spirit of Truth]] on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] made possible a [[religion]] which is neither [[radical]] nor [[conservative]]; it is neither the old nor the new; it is to be [[dominated]] neither by the old nor the young. The [[fact]] of [[Jesus]]' [[earthly]] life provides a fixed [[point]] for the anchor of [[time]], while the [[bestowal]] of the [[Spirit of Truth]] provides for the everlasting expansion and endless [[growth]] of the [[religion]] which he lived and the [[gospel]] which he [[proclaimed]]. The spirit [[guides]] into all [[truth]]; he is the teacher of an expanding and always-growing [[religion]] of endless [[progress]] and [[divine]] [[unfolding]]. This new teacher will be forever [[unfolding]] to the [[truth]]-seeking [[believer]] that which was so [[divinely]] folded up in the [[person]] and [[nature]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man].
+
194:3.8 The coming of the [[Spirit of Truth]] on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] made possible a [[religion]] which is neither [[radical]] nor [[conservative]]; it is neither the old nor the new; it is to be [[dominated]] neither by the old nor the young. The [[fact]] of [[Jesus]]' [[earthly]] life provides a fixed [[point]] for the anchor of [[time]], while the [[bestowal]] of the [[Spirit of Truth]] provides for the everlasting expansion and endless [[growth]] of the [[religion]] which he lived and the [[gospel]] which he [[proclaimed]]. The spirit [[guides]] into all [[truth]]; he is the teacher of an expanding and always-growing [[religion]] of endless [[progress]] and [[divine]] [[unfolding]]. This new teacher will be forever [[unfolding]] to the [[truth]]-seeking [[believer]] that which was so [[divinely]] folded up in the [[person]] and [[nature]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man].
   −
194:3.9 The [[manifestations]] [[associated]] with the [[bestowal]] of the " new teacher, " and the [[reception]] of [[the apostles]]' [[preaching]] by the men of various [[races]] and [[nations]] gathered together at [[Jerusalem]], indicate the [[universality]] of the [[religion]] of [[Jesus]]. The [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] was to be identified with no particular [[race]], [[culture]], or [[language]]. This day of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] [[witnessed]] the great [[effort]] of the spirit to [[liberate]] the [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] from its inherited [[Jewish]] [[Limitation|fetters]]. Even after this [[demonstration]] of pouring out the spirit upon all [[flesh]], [[the apostles]] at first endeavored to impose the requirements of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Judaism] upon their [[converts]]. Even [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] had trouble with his [[Jerusalem]] brethren because he refused to subject the [[gentiles]] to these [[Jewish]] [[practices]]. No [[revealed]] [[religion]] can spread to all the world when it makes the serious mistake of becoming permeated with some [[national]] [[culture]] or [[associated]] with [[established]] [[racial]], [[social]], or [[economic]] [[practices]].
+
194:3.9 The [[manifestations]] [[associated]] with the [[bestowal]] of the " new teacher, " and the [[reception]] of [[the apostles]]' [[preaching]] by the men of various [[races]] and [[nations]] gathered together at [[Jerusalem]], indicate the [[universality]] of the [[religion]] of [[Jesus]]. The [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] was to be identified with no particular [[race]], [[culture]], or [[language]]. This day of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] [[witnessed]] the great [[effort]] of the spirit to [[liberate]] the [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] from its inherited [[Jewish]] [[Limitation|fetters]]. Even after this [[demonstration]] of pouring out the spirit upon all [[flesh]], [[the apostles]] at first endeavored to impose the requirements of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Judaism] upon their [[converts]]. Even [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] had trouble with his [[Jerusalem]] brethren because he refused to subject the [[gentiles]] to these [[Jewish]] [[practices]]. No [[revealed]] [[religion]] can spread to all the world when it makes the serious mistake of becoming permeated with some [[national]] [[culture]] or [[associated]] with [[established]] [[racial]], [[social]], or [[economic]] [[practices]].
   −
194:3.10 The [[bestowal]] of the [[Spirit of Truth]] was independent of all [[forms]], [[ceremonies]], [[sacred]] places, and special [[behavior]] by those who [[received]] the fullness of its [[manifestation]]. When the spirit came upon those assembled in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenacle upper chamber], they were simply sitting there, having just been [[engaged]] in [[silent]] [[prayer]]. The spirit was [[bestowed]] in the [[Rural|country]] as well as in the [[city]]. It was not [[necessary]] for [[the apostles]] to go apart to a [[lonely]] place for years of [[solitary]] [[meditation]] in order to [[receive]] the spirit. For all time, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penecost Pentecost] disassociates the [[idea]] of [[spiritual]] [[experience]] from the notion of especially favorable [[environments]].
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194:3.10 The [[bestowal]] of the [[Spirit of Truth]] was independent of all [[forms]], [[ceremonies]], [[sacred]] places, and special [[behavior]] by those who [[received]] the fullness of its [[manifestation]]. When the spirit came upon those assembled in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenacle upper chamber], they were simply sitting there, having just been [[engaged]] in [[silent]] [[prayer]]. The spirit was [[bestowed]] in the [[Rural|country]] as well as in the [[city]]. It was not [[necessary]] for [[the apostles]] to go apart to a [[lonely]] place for years of [[solitary]] [[meditation]] in order to [[receive]] the spirit. For all time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penecost Pentecost] disassociates the [[idea]] of [[spiritual]] [[experience]] from the notion of especially favorable [[environments]].
   −
194:3.11 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], with its [[spiritual]] [[endowment]], was [[designed]] forever to loose the [[religion]] of [[the Master]] from all dependence upon [[physical]] [[force]]; the teachers of this new [[religion]] are now equipped with [[spiritual]] [[weapons]]. They are to go out to [[conquer]] the world with unfailing [[forgiveness]], matchless [[good]] will, and abounding [[love]]. They are equipped to overcome [[evil]] with [[good]], to vanquish [[hate]] by [[love]], to destroy [[fear]] with a [[courageous]] and living [[faith]] in [[truth]]. [[Jesus]] had already taught his [[followers]] that his [[religion]] was never [[passive]]; always were his [[disciples]] to be [[active]] and [[positive]] in their [[ministry]] of [[mercy]] and in their [[manifestations]] of [[love]]. No longer did these [[believers]] look upon [[Yahweh]] as " the Lord of Hosts. " They now regarded the [[eternal]] [[Deity]] as the " God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Peter#1st_Letter_of_Peter.2C_I] They made that [[progress]], at least, even if they did in some [[measure]] fail fully to grasp the [[truth]] that [[God]] is also the spiritual [[Father]] of every [[individual]].
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194:3.11 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], with its [[spiritual]] [[endowment]], was [[designed]] forever to loose the [[religion]] of [[the Master]] from all dependence upon [[physical]] [[force]]; the teachers of this new [[religion]] are now equipped with [[spiritual]] [[weapons]]. They are to go out to [[conquer]] the world with unfailing [[forgiveness]], matchless [[good]] will, and abounding [[love]]. They are equipped to overcome [[evil]] with [[good]], to vanquish [[hate]] by [[love]], to destroy [[fear]] with a [[courageous]] and living [[faith]] in [[truth]]. [[Jesus]] had already taught his [[followers]] that his [[religion]] was never [[passive]]; always were his [[disciples]] to be [[active]] and [[positive]] in their [[ministry]] of [[mercy]] and in their [[manifestations]] of [[love]]. No longer did these [[believers]] look upon [[Yahweh]] as " the Lord of Hosts. " They now regarded the [[eternal]] [[Deity]] as the " God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Peter#1st_Letter_of_Peter.2C_I] They made that [[progress]], at least, even if they did in some [[measure]] fail fully to grasp the [[truth]] that [[God]] is also the spiritual [[Father]] of every [[individual]].
   −
194:3.12 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] [[endowed]] [[mortal]] man with the [[power]] to [[forgive]] [[personal]] [[injuries]], to keep sweet in the midst of the gravest injustice, to remain unmoved in the face of appalling [[danger]], and to [[challenge]] the [[evils]] of [[hate]] and [[anger]] by the fearless [[acts]] of [[love]] and [[forbearance]]. [[Urantia]] has passed through the ravages of great and destructive [[wars]] in its [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_history history]. All [[participants]] in these terrible [[struggles]] met with [[defeat]]. There was but one [[victor]]; there was only one who came out of these embittered [[struggles]] with an enhanced [[reputation]]—that was [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] and his [[gospel]] of overcoming [[evil]] with [[good]]. The [[secret]] of a better [[civilization]] is bound up in the Master's teachings of the brotherhood of man, the [[good]] will of [[love]] and [[mutual]] [[trust]].
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194:3.12 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] [[endowed]] [[mortal]] man with the [[power]] to [[forgive]] [[personal]] [[injuries]], to keep sweet in the midst of the gravest injustice, to remain unmoved in the face of appalling [[danger]], and to [[challenge]] the [[evils]] of [[hate]] and [[anger]] by the fearless [[acts]] of [[love]] and [[forbearance]]. [[Urantia]] has passed through the ravages of great and destructive [[wars]] in its [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_history history]. All [[participants]] in these terrible [[struggles]] met with [[defeat]]. There was but one [[victor]]; there was only one who came out of these embittered [[struggles]] with an enhanced [[reputation]]—that was [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] and his [[gospel]] of overcoming [[evil]] with [[good]]. The [[secret]] of a better [[civilization]] is bound up in the Master's teachings of the brotherhood of man, the [[good]] will of [[love]] and [[mutual]] [[trust]].
   −
194:3.13 Up to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], [[religion]] had [[revealed]] only man seeking for [[God]]; since [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], man is still searching for [[God]], but there shines out over the world the [[spectacle]] of [[God]] also seeking for man and sending [[Thought Adjuster|his spirit]] to dwell within him when he has found him.
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194:3.13 Up to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], [[religion]] had [[revealed]] only man seeking for [[God]]; since [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], man is still searching for [[God]], but there shines out over the world the [[spectacle]] of [[God]] also seeking for man and sending [[Thought Adjuster|his spirit]] to dwell within him when he has found him.
   −
194:3.14 Before the teachings of [[Jesus]] which culminated in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], [[women]] had little or no spiritual standing in the [[tenets]] of the older [[religions]]. After [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], in the brotherhood of [[the kingdom]] woman stood before [[God]] on an [[equality]] with man. Among the one hundred and twenty who [[received]] this special [[visitation]] of the spirit were many of the [[women]] [[disciples]], and they [[shared]] these [[blessings]] equally with the men believers. No longer can man [[presume]] to [[monopolize]] the [[ministry]] of [[religious]] service. The [[Pharisee]] might go on thanking [[God]] that he was " not born a [[woman]], a [[leper]], or a [[gentile]], " but among the [[followers]] of [[Jesus]] woman has been forever set [[free]] from all [[religious]] [[Segregation|discriminations]] based on [[Gender|sex]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] obliterated all [[religious]] [[discrimination]] founded on [[racial]] distinction, cultural [[differences]], social [[caste]], or [[Gender|sex]] [[prejudice]]. No [[wonder]] these [[believers]] in the new religion would cry out, " Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_III]
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194:3.14 Before the teachings of [[Jesus]] which culminated in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], [[women]] had little or no spiritual standing in the [[tenets]] of the older [[religions]]. After [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], in the brotherhood of [[the kingdom]] woman stood before [[God]] on an [[equality]] with man. Among the one hundred and twenty who [[received]] this special [[visitation]] of the spirit were many of the [[women]] [[disciples]], and they [[shared]] these [[blessings]] equally with the men believers. No longer can man [[presume]] to [[monopolize]] the [[ministry]] of [[religious]] service. The [[Pharisee]] might go on thanking [[God]] that he was " not born a [[woman]], a [[leper]], or a [[gentile]], " but among the [[followers]] of [[Jesus]] woman has been forever set [[free]] from all [[religious]] [[Segregation|discriminations]] based on [[Gender|sex]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] obliterated all [[religious]] [[discrimination]] founded on [[racial]] distinction, cultural [[differences]], social [[caste]], or [[Gender|sex]] [[prejudice]]. No [[wonder]] these [[believers]] in the new religion would cry out, " Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_III]
   −
194:3.15 Both the [[mother]] and [[brother]] of [[Jesus]] were present among the one hundred and twenty [[believers]], and as members of this common [[group]] of [[disciples]], they also received the outpoured spirit. They received no more of the [[good]] [[gift]] than did their fellows. No special gift was [[bestowed]] upon the [[members]] of [[Jesus]]' earthly [[family]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] marked the end of special [[priesthoods]] and all [[belief]] in [[sacred]] [[families]].
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194:3.15 Both the [[mother]] and [[brother]] of [[Jesus]] were present among the one hundred and twenty [[believers]], and as members of this common [[group]] of [[disciples]], they also received the outpoured spirit. They received no more of the [[good]] [[gift]] than did their fellows. No special gift was [[bestowed]] upon the [[members]] of [[Jesus]]' earthly [[family]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] marked the end of special [[priesthoods]] and all [[belief]] in [[sacred]] [[families]].
   −
194:3.16 Before [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] [[the apostles]] had given up much for [[Jesus]]. They had [[sacrificed]] their [[homes]], [[families]], [[friends]], [[Things|worldly goods]], and positions. At [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] they gave themselves to [[God]], and [[the Father]] and [[Creator Son|the Son]] responded by giving themselves to man—sending their spirits to live within men. This [[experience]] of losing [[self]] and finding the [[spirit]] was not one of [[emotion]]; it was an [[act]] of [[intelligent]] [[self]]-[[surrender]] and unreserved [[consecration]].
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194:3.16 Before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] [[the apostles]] had given up much for [[Jesus]]. They had [[sacrificed]] their [[homes]], [[families]], [[friends]], [[Things|worldly goods]], and positions. At [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] they gave themselves to [[God]], and [[the Father]] and [[Creator Son|the Son]] responded by giving themselves to man—sending their spirits to live within men. This [[experience]] of losing [[self]] and finding the [[spirit]] was not one of [[emotion]]; it was an [[act]] of [[intelligent]] [[self]]-[[surrender]] and unreserved [[consecration]].
   −
194:3.17 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] was the call to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_141#141:5._SPIRITUAL_UNITY spiritual unity] among [[gospel]] [[believers]]. When [[Spirit of Truth|the spirit]] descended on the [[disciples]] at [[Jerusalem]], the same thing happened in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amman Philadelphia], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], and at all other places where true [[believers]] dwelt. It was [[literally]] true that " there was but one [[heart]] and [[soul]] among [[the multitude]] of the [[believers]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Ezekiel#Chapter_11] The [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] is the most powerful unifying [[influence]] the world has ever known.
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194:3.17 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] was the call to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_141#141:5._SPIRITUAL_UNITY spiritual unity] among [[gospel]] [[believers]]. When [[Spirit of Truth|the spirit]] descended on the [[disciples]] at [[Jerusalem]], the same thing happened in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amman Philadelphia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], and at all other places where true [[believers]] dwelt. It was [[literally]] true that " there was but one [[heart]] and [[soul]] among [[the multitude]] of the [[believers]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Ezekiel#Chapter_11] The [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] is the most powerful unifying [[influence]] the world has ever known.
   −
194:3.18 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] was designed to lessen the [[self-assertiveness]] of [[individuals]], [[groups]], [[nations]], and [[races]]. It is this spirit of [[self-assertiveness]] which so increases in [[tension]] that it [[periodically]] breaks loose in destructive [[wars]]. [[Mankind]] can be [[unified]] only by the [[spiritual]] approach, and the [[Spirit of Truth]] is a world [[influence]] which is [[universal]].
+
194:3.18 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] was designed to lessen the [[self-assertiveness]] of [[individuals]], [[groups]], [[nations]], and [[races]]. It is this spirit of [[self-assertiveness]] which so increases in [[tension]] that it [[periodically]] breaks loose in destructive [[wars]]. [[Mankind]] can be [[unified]] only by the [[spiritual]] approach, and the [[Spirit of Truth]] is a world [[influence]] which is [[universal]].
   −
194:3.19 The coming of the [[Spirit of Truth]] [[purifies]] the [[human]] [[heart]] and leads the [[recipient]] to [[formulate]] a life [[purpose]] single to the [[Doing the will of God|will of God]] and the [[welfare]] of men. The [[material]] [[spirit]] of [[selfishness]] has been swallowed up in this new spiritual [[bestowal]] of [[selflessness]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], then and now, [[signifies]] that the [[Jesus]] of [[history]] has become the [[divine Son]] of living [[experience]]. The [[joy]] of this outpoured spirit, when it is [[consciously]] [[experienced]] in human life, is a tonic for [[health]], a [[stimulus]] for [[mind]], and an unfailing [[energy]] for the [[soul]].
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194:3.19 The coming of the [[Spirit of Truth]] [[purifies]] the [[human]] [[heart]] and leads the [[recipient]] to [[formulate]] a life [[purpose]] single to the [[Doing the will of God|will of God]] and the [[welfare]] of men. The [[material]] [[spirit]] of [[selfishness]] has been swallowed up in this new spiritual [[bestowal]] of [[selflessness]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], then and now, [[signifies]] that the [[Jesus]] of [[history]] has become the [[divine Son]] of living [[experience]]. The [[joy]] of this outpoured spirit, when it is [[consciously]] [[experienced]] in human life, is a tonic for [[health]], a [[stimulus]] for [[mind]], and an unfailing [[energy]] for the [[soul]].
   −
194:3.20 [[Prayer]] did not bring the spirit on the day of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], but it did have much to do with determining the [[capacity]] of [[receptivity]] which characterized the [[individual]] [[believers]]. [[Prayer]] does not move the [[divine]] [[heart]] to liberality of [[bestowal]], but it does so often dig out larger and deeper [[channels]] wherein the [[divine]] [[bestowals]] may [[flow]] to the [[hearts]] and [[souls]] of those who thus remember to [[maintain]] unbroken [[communion]] with their [[Creator|Maker]] through [[sincere]] [[prayer]] and true [[worship]].
+
194:3.20 [[Prayer]] did not bring the spirit on the day of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost], but it did have much to do with determining the [[capacity]] of [[receptivity]] which characterized the [[individual]] [[believers]]. [[Prayer]] does not move the [[divine]] [[heart]] to liberality of [[bestowal]], but it does so often dig out larger and deeper [[channels]] wherein the [[divine]] [[bestowals]] may [[flow]] to the [[hearts]] and [[souls]] of those who thus remember to [[maintain]] unbroken [[communion]] with their [[Creator|Maker]] through [[sincere]] [[prayer]] and true [[worship]].
    
==194:4. BEGINNINGS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH==
 
==194:4. BEGINNINGS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH==
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194:4.1 When [[Jesus]] was so suddenly seized by his [[enemies]] and so quickly [[crucified]] between two [[thieves]], his [[apostles]] and [[disciples]] were completely demoralized. The [[thought]] of [[the Master]], [[arrested]], bound, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scourge scourged], and [[crucified]], was too much for even [[the apostles]]. They forgot his [[teachings]] and his [[warnings]]. He might, indeed, have been " a [[prophet]] mighty in deed and [[word]] before [[God]] and all the people, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_24] but he could hardly be [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah] they had [[hoped]] would restore [[the kingdom]] of [[Israel]].
+
194:4.1 When [[Jesus]] was so suddenly seized by his [[enemies]] and so quickly [[crucified]] between two [[thieves]], his [[apostles]] and [[disciples]] were completely demoralized. The [[thought]] of [[the Master]], [[arrested]], bound, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scourge scourged], and [[crucified]], was too much for even [[the apostles]]. They forgot his [[teachings]] and his [[warnings]]. He might, indeed, have been " a [[prophet]] mighty in deed and [[word]] before [[God]] and all the people, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_24] but he could hardly be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah] they had [[hoped]] would restore [[the kingdom]] of [[Israel]].
   −
194:4.2 Then comes the [[resurrection]], with its [[deliverance]] from [[despair]] and the return of their [[faith]] in [[the Master]]'s [[divinity]]. Again and again they see him and [[talk]] with him, and he takes them out on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet], where he bids them [[farewell]] and tells them he is going back to [[the Father]]. He has told them to tarry in [[Jerusalem]] until they are [[endowed]] with [[power]]—until the [[Spirit of Truth]] shall come. And on the day of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] this new teacher comes, and they go out at once to [[preach]] their [[gospel]] with new [[power]]. They are the [[bold]] and [[courageous]] [[followers]] of a living Lord, not a dead and [[defeated]] [[leader]]. [[The Master]] lives in the [[hearts]] of these [[evangelists]]; [[God]] is not a [[doctrine]] in their [[minds]]; he has become a living [[presence]] in their [[souls]].
+
194:4.2 Then comes the [[resurrection]], with its [[deliverance]] from [[despair]] and the return of their [[faith]] in [[the Master]]'s [[divinity]]. Again and again they see him and [[talk]] with him, and he takes them out on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet], where he bids them [[farewell]] and tells them he is going back to [[the Father]]. He has told them to tarry in [[Jerusalem]] until they are [[endowed]] with [[power]]—until the [[Spirit of Truth]] shall come. And on the day of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost Pentecost] this new teacher comes, and they go out at once to [[preach]] their [[gospel]] with new [[power]]. They are the [[bold]] and [[courageous]] [[followers]] of a living Lord, not a dead and [[defeated]] [[leader]]. [[The Master]] lives in the [[hearts]] of these [[evangelists]]; [[God]] is not a [[doctrine]] in their [[minds]]; he has become a living [[presence]] in their [[souls]].
   −
194:4.3 " Day by day they continued [[steadfastly]] and with one [[accord]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] and breaking bread at [[home]]. They took their [[food]] with [[gladness]] and singleness of [[heart]], [[praising]] [[God]] and having [[favor]] with all [[the people]]. They were all filled with the spirit, and they [[spoke]] the [[word]] of [[God]] with [[boldness]]. And [[the multitudes]] of those who [[believed]] were of one [[heart]] and [[soul]]; and not one of them said that aught of the [[things]] which he possessed was his own, and they had all things in [[common]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.2]
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194:4.3 " Day by day they continued [[steadfastly]] and with one [[accord]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] and breaking bread at [[home]]. They took their [[food]] with [[gladness]] and singleness of [[heart]], [[praising]] [[God]] and having [[favor]] with all [[the people]]. They were all filled with the spirit, and they [[spoke]] the [[word]] of [[God]] with [[boldness]]. And [[the multitudes]] of those who [[believed]] were of one [[heart]] and [[soul]]; and not one of them said that aught of the [[things]] which he possessed was his own, and they had all things in [[common]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.2]
    
194:4.4 What has happened to these men whom [[Jesus]] had [[ordained]] to go forth [[preaching]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]], the [[fatherhood]] of [[God]] and the brotherhood of man? They have a new [[gospel]]; they are on [[fire]] with a new [[experience]]; they are filled with a new [[spiritual]] [[energy]]. Their [[message]] has suddenly shifted to the [[proclamation]] of the [[Resurrection|risen]] [[Christ]]: " [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]], a man [[God]] approved by mighty works and [[wonders]]; him, being delivered up by the determinate [[counsel]] and foreknowledge of [[God]], you did [[crucify]] and slay. The things which [[God]] [[foreshadowed]] by the mouth of all the [[prophets]], he thus fulfilled. This [[Jesus]] did [[God]] raise up. God has made him both Lord and Christ. Being, by the right hand of God, exalted and having [[received]] from [[the Father]] the [[promise]] of the spirit, he has poured forth this which you see and hear. [[Repent]], that your [[sins]] may be blotted out; that [[the Father]] may send the [[Christ]], who has been [[appointed]] for you, even [[Jesus]], whom the [[heaven]] must [[receive]] until the times of the restoration of [[all things]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.2]
 
194:4.4 What has happened to these men whom [[Jesus]] had [[ordained]] to go forth [[preaching]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]], the [[fatherhood]] of [[God]] and the brotherhood of man? They have a new [[gospel]]; they are on [[fire]] with a new [[experience]]; they are filled with a new [[spiritual]] [[energy]]. Their [[message]] has suddenly shifted to the [[proclamation]] of the [[Resurrection|risen]] [[Christ]]: " [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]], a man [[God]] approved by mighty works and [[wonders]]; him, being delivered up by the determinate [[counsel]] and foreknowledge of [[God]], you did [[crucify]] and slay. The things which [[God]] [[foreshadowed]] by the mouth of all the [[prophets]], he thus fulfilled. This [[Jesus]] did [[God]] raise up. God has made him both Lord and Christ. Being, by the right hand of God, exalted and having [[received]] from [[the Father]] the [[promise]] of the spirit, he has poured forth this which you see and hear. [[Repent]], that your [[sins]] may be blotted out; that [[the Father]] may send the [[Christ]], who has been [[appointed]] for you, even [[Jesus]], whom the [[heaven]] must [[receive]] until the times of the restoration of [[all things]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.2]
Line 119: Line 119:  
194:4.5 The [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]], the [[message]] of [[Jesus]], had been suddenly [[changed]] into the gospel of the Lord [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]. They now [[proclaimed]] the [[facts]] of his life, [[death]], and [[resurrection]] and [[preached]] the [[hope]] of his speedy return to this world to finish the [[work]] he began. Thus the [[message]] of the early [[believers]] had to do with [[preaching]] about the [[facts]] of his first coming and with teaching the [[hope]] of his [[second coming]], an event which they deemed to be very near at hand.
 
194:4.5 The [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]], the [[message]] of [[Jesus]], had been suddenly [[changed]] into the gospel of the Lord [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]. They now [[proclaimed]] the [[facts]] of his life, [[death]], and [[resurrection]] and [[preached]] the [[hope]] of his speedy return to this world to finish the [[work]] he began. Thus the [[message]] of the early [[believers]] had to do with [[preaching]] about the [[facts]] of his first coming and with teaching the [[hope]] of his [[second coming]], an event which they deemed to be very near at hand.
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194:4.6 [[Christ]] was about to become the [[creed]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity rapidly forming church]. [[Jesus]] lives; he died for men; he gave the spirit; he is coming again. [[Jesus]] filled all their [[thoughts]] and determined all their new [[concept]] of [[God]] and everything else. They were too much [[enthused]] over the new [[doctrine]] that " God is the Father of the Lord Jesus "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Peter#1st_Letter_of_Peter.2C_I] to be concerned with the old [[message]] that " [[God]] is the loving [[Father]] of all men, " even of every single [[individual]]. True, a marvelous [[manifestation]] of brotherly [[love]] and unexampled [[good]] will did spring up in these [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity early communities of believers]. But it was a fellowship of [[believers]] in [[Jesus]], not a fellowship of brothers in the family kingdom of [[the Father]] in heaven. Their good will arose from the [[love]] born of the [[concept]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 Jesus' bestowal] and not from the [[recognition]] of the brotherhood of [[mortal]] man. Nevertheless, they were filled with [[joy]], and they lived such new and [[unique]] lives that all men were [[attracted]] to their teachings about [[Jesus]]. They made the great mistake of using the living and illustrative [[commentary]] on the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] for that gospel, but even that [[represented]] the greatest [[religion]] [[mankind]] had ever known.
+
194:4.6 [[Christ]] was about to become the [[creed]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity rapidly forming church]. [[Jesus]] lives; he died for men; he gave the spirit; he is coming again. [[Jesus]] filled all their [[thoughts]] and determined all their new [[concept]] of [[God]] and everything else. They were too much [[enthused]] over the new [[doctrine]] that " God is the Father of the Lord Jesus "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Peter#1st_Letter_of_Peter.2C_I] to be concerned with the old [[message]] that " [[God]] is the loving [[Father]] of all men, " even of every single [[individual]]. True, a marvelous [[manifestation]] of brotherly [[love]] and unexampled [[good]] will did spring up in these [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity early communities of believers]. But it was a fellowship of [[believers]] in [[Jesus]], not a fellowship of brothers in the family kingdom of [[the Father]] in heaven. Their good will arose from the [[love]] born of the [[concept]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 Jesus' bestowal] and not from the [[recognition]] of the brotherhood of [[mortal]] man. Nevertheless, they were filled with [[joy]], and they lived such new and [[unique]] lives that all men were [[attracted]] to their teachings about [[Jesus]]. They made the great mistake of using the living and illustrative [[commentary]] on the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] for that gospel, but even that [[represented]] the greatest [[religion]] [[mankind]] had ever known.
   −
194:4.7 Unmistakably, a new fellowship was arising in the world. " The multitude who believed continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.2] They called each other brother and sister; they greeted one another with a [[holy]] [[kiss]][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_XVI]; they ministered to the poor.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Galatians#The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Galatians.2C_II] It was a fellowship of [[living]] as well as of [[worship]]. They were not communal by [[decree]] but by the [[desire]] to [[share]] their goods with their fellow believers. They [[confidently]] [[expected]] that [[Jesus]] would return to complete the [[establishment]] of [[the Father]]'s kingdom during their [[generation]]. This [[spontaneous]] sharing of earthly [[possessions]] was not a direct feature of [[Jesus]]' teaching; it came about because these men and women so [[sincerely]] and so [[confidently]] believed that he was to return any day to finish his [[work]] and to [[consummate]] [[the kingdom]]. But the final results of this well-meant [[experiment]] in thoughtless brotherly [[love]] were disastrous and [[sorrow]]-breeding. Thousands of [[earnest]] [[believers]] sold their [[property]] and disposed of all their capital goods and other productive [[assets]]. With the passing of time, the dwindling resources of Christian " equal-sharing " came to an end —but the world did not. Very soon the [[believers]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity#Antioch Antioch] were taking up a collection to keep their fellow believers at [[Jerusalem]] from [[Hunger|starving]].
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194:4.7 Unmistakably, a new fellowship was arising in the world. " The multitude who believed continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.2] They called each other brother and sister; they greeted one another with a [[holy]] [[kiss]][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_XVI]; they ministered to the poor.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Galatians#The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Galatians.2C_II] It was a fellowship of [[living]] as well as of [[worship]]. They were not communal by [[decree]] but by the [[desire]] to [[share]] their goods with their fellow believers. They [[confidently]] [[expected]] that [[Jesus]] would return to complete the [[establishment]] of [[the Father]]'s kingdom during their [[generation]]. This [[spontaneous]] sharing of earthly [[possessions]] was not a direct feature of [[Jesus]]' teaching; it came about because these men and women so [[sincerely]] and so [[confidently]] believed that he was to return any day to finish his [[work]] and to [[consummate]] [[the kingdom]]. But the final results of this well-meant [[experiment]] in thoughtless brotherly [[love]] were disastrous and [[sorrow]]-breeding. Thousands of [[earnest]] [[believers]] sold their [[property]] and disposed of all their capital goods and other productive [[assets]]. With the passing of time, the dwindling resources of Christian " equal-sharing " came to an end —but the world did not. Very soon the [[believers]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity#Antioch Antioch] were taking up a collection to keep their fellow believers at [[Jerusalem]] from [[Hunger|starving]].
   −
194:4.8 In these days they [[celebrated]] the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist Lord's Supper] after the [[manner]] of its [[establishment]]; that is, they assembled for a [[social]] meal of good fellowship and partook of the [[sacrament]] at the end of the meal.
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194:4.8 In these days they [[celebrated]] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist Lord's Supper] after the [[manner]] of its [[establishment]]; that is, they assembled for a [[social]] meal of good fellowship and partook of the [[sacrament]] at the end of the meal.
    
194:4.9 At first they [[baptized]] in the [[name]] of [[Jesus]]; it was almost twenty years before they began to [[baptize]] in " the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_28] [[Baptism]] was all that was required for admission into the fellowship of [[believers]]. They had no [[organization]] as yet; it was simply the [[Jesus]] brotherhood.
 
194:4.9 At first they [[baptized]] in the [[name]] of [[Jesus]]; it was almost twenty years before they began to [[baptize]] in " the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_28] [[Baptism]] was all that was required for admission into the fellowship of [[believers]]. They had no [[organization]] as yet; it was simply the [[Jesus]] brotherhood.
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194:4.10 This [[Jesus]] [[sect]] was growing rapidly, and once more the [[Sadducees]] took notice of them. The [[Pharisees]] were little bothered about the situation, seeing that none of the teachings in any way [[interfered]] with the observance of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_law Jewish laws]. But the [[Sadducees]] began to put the [[leaders]] of the [[Jesus]] [[sect]] in [[jail]] until they were prevailed upon to [[accept]] the [[counsel]] of one of the leading [[rabbis]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamaliel Gamaliel], who advised them: " Refrain from these men and let them alone, for if this [[counsel]] or this [[work]] is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of [[God]], you will not be able to overthrow them, lest haply you be found even to be fighting against [[God]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.5] They decided to follow [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamaliel Gamaliel]'s [[counsel]], and there ensued a [[time]] of [[peace]] and [[quiet]] in [[Jerusalem]], during which the new [[gospel]] about [[Jesus]] spread rapidly.
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194:4.10 This [[Jesus]] [[sect]] was growing rapidly, and once more the [[Sadducees]] took notice of them. The [[Pharisees]] were little bothered about the situation, seeing that none of the teachings in any way [[interfered]] with the observance of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_law Jewish laws]. But the [[Sadducees]] began to put the [[leaders]] of the [[Jesus]] [[sect]] in [[jail]] until they were prevailed upon to [[accept]] the [[counsel]] of one of the leading [[rabbis]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamaliel Gamaliel], who advised them: " Refrain from these men and let them alone, for if this [[counsel]] or this [[work]] is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of [[God]], you will not be able to overthrow them, lest haply you be found even to be fighting against [[God]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.5] They decided to follow [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamaliel Gamaliel]'s [[counsel]], and there ensued a [[time]] of [[peace]] and [[quiet]] in [[Jerusalem]], during which the new [[gospel]] about [[Jesus]] spread rapidly.
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194:4.11 And so all went well in [[Jerusalem]] until the time of the coming of the [[Greeks]] in large numbers from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria]. Two of the [[pupils]] of [[Rodan]] arrived in [[Jerusalem]] and made many [[converts]] from among the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenization Hellenists]. Among their early [[converts]] were [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen Stephen] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnabas Barnabas]. These able [[Greeks]] did not so much have the [[Jewish]] [[viewpoint]], and they did not so well [[conform]] to the [[Jewish]] [[mode]] of [[worship]] and other ceremonial [[practices]]. And it was the doings of these [[Greek]] [[believers]] that terminated the peaceful [[relations]] between the [[Jesus]] brotherhood and the [[Pharisees]] and [[Sadducees]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen Stephen] and his [[Greek]] associate began to [[preach]] more as [[Jesus]] taught, and this brought them into [[immediate]] [[conflict]] with the Jewish rulers. In one of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen Stephen]'s [[public]] [[sermons]], when he reached the objectionable part of the [[discourse]], they dispensed with all [[formalities]] of [[trial]] and proceeded to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoning#In_Judaism stone him to death] on the spot.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.6]
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194:4.11 And so all went well in [[Jerusalem]] until the time of the coming of the [[Greeks]] in large numbers from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria]. Two of the [[pupils]] of [[Rodan]] arrived in [[Jerusalem]] and made many [[converts]] from among the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenization Hellenists]. Among their early [[converts]] were [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen Stephen] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnabas Barnabas]. These able [[Greeks]] did not so much have the [[Jewish]] [[viewpoint]], and they did not so well [[conform]] to the [[Jewish]] [[mode]] of [[worship]] and other ceremonial [[practices]]. And it was the doings of these [[Greek]] [[believers]] that terminated the peaceful [[relations]] between the [[Jesus]] brotherhood and the [[Pharisees]] and [[Sadducees]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen Stephen] and his [[Greek]] associate began to [[preach]] more as [[Jesus]] taught, and this brought them into [[immediate]] [[conflict]] with the Jewish rulers. In one of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen Stephen]'s [[public]] [[sermons]], when he reached the objectionable part of the [[discourse]], they dispensed with all [[formalities]] of [[trial]] and proceeded to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoning#In_Judaism stone him to death] on the spot.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.6]
   −
194:4.12 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen Stephen], the [[leader]] of the [[Greek]] colony of [[Jesus]]' [[believers]] in [[Jerusalem]], thus became the first [[martyr]] to the new [[faith]] and the specific cause for the [[formal]] [[organization]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_early_Christianity early Christian church]. This new [[crisis]] was met by the [[recognition]] that [[believers]] could not longer go on as a [[sect]] within the [[Jewish]] [[faith]]. They all [[agreed]] that they must separate themselves from unbelievers; and within one month from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen#Martyrdom death of Stephen] the church at [[Jerusalem]] had been [[organized]] under the [[leadership]] of [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] the [[brother]] of [[Jesus]] had been installed as its titular head.
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194:4.12 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen Stephen], the [[leader]] of the [[Greek]] colony of [[Jesus]]' [[believers]] in [[Jerusalem]], thus became the first [[martyr]] to the new [[faith]] and the specific cause for the [[formal]] [[organization]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_early_Christianity early Christian church]. This new [[crisis]] was met by the [[recognition]] that [[believers]] could not longer go on as a [[sect]] within the [[Jewish]] [[faith]]. They all [[agreed]] that they must separate themselves from unbelievers; and within one month from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen#Martyrdom death of Stephen] the church at [[Jerusalem]] had been [[organized]] under the [[leadership]] of [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] the [[brother]] of [[Jesus]] had been installed as its titular head.
   −
194:4.13 And then broke out the new and relentless [[persecutions]] by the [[Jews]], so that the [[active]] [[teachers]] of the new [[religion]] about [[Jesus]], which subsequently at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity#Antioch Antioch] was called [[Christianity]], went forth to the ends of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire the empire] [[proclaiming]] [[Jesus]]. In carrying this [[message]], before the time of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] the [[leadership]] was in [[Greek]] hands; and these first [[missionaries]], as also the later ones, followed the [[path]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Great Alexander]'s march of former days, going by way of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza Gaza] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyre,_Lebanon Tyre] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch Antioch] and then over [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Minor Asia Minor] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonia Macedonia], then on to [[Rome]] and to the uttermost parts of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire the empire].
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194:4.13 And then broke out the new and relentless [[persecutions]] by the [[Jews]], so that the [[active]] [[teachers]] of the new [[religion]] about [[Jesus]], which subsequently at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity#Antioch Antioch] was called [[Christianity]], went forth to the ends of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire the empire] [[proclaiming]] [[Jesus]]. In carrying this [[message]], before the time of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] the [[leadership]] was in [[Greek]] hands; and these first [[missionaries]], as also the later ones, followed the [[path]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Great Alexander]'s march of former days, going by way of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza Gaza] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyre,_Lebanon Tyre] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch Antioch] and then over [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Minor Asia Minor] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonia Macedonia], then on to [[Rome]] and to the uttermost parts of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire the empire].