but because of awe lest the same judgment befall them that had fallen on Ananias and Sapphira. Simultaneously, the apostolic miracles as well as the nature of the Christian community showed their effect in that the people held them in high honor. The community appeared as a closed awe–inspiring group that everyone liked, but no one dared to join, unless God himself opened the door. 14—And God did just that. More than ever believers were added, that is, God added new multitudes to the Lord of the
Page 125