The First Communities of the Followers of Yeshua

Acts 2:44-47‬‬‬‬

 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising Yahweh, their God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

In the first century followers of Yeshua were persecuted more than other religious groups. Because they refused to honor other gods or worship the emperor, they were seen as too exclusive, too narrow, and a threat to the social order. The followers of Yeshua were seen as offensive and were excluded from circles of influence and business and often put to death,

You can imagine that the only way that the followers of Yeshua could survive was by helping eachother and to start their own social structures. They shared their possessions and established networks of care for the poor, for widows and orphans. Help was given to all poor, even of other races and religions. Followers of Yeshua were known for their hospitality and philanthropy.

Unwanted infants were not aborted in this period of history, but they were literally thrown onto garbage heaps, to either die or be taken by traders into slavery and prostitution. The followers of Yeshua saved these infants and took them in.

Followers of Yeshua taught forgiveness and withheld retaliation against opponents. This was new in the time that they were living.

Love and encouragement was given to eachother. They kept their belief strong, they were united because they saw Yeshua as their Savior and King. They were sincere and happy when they were together and worshiped Yahweh and Yeshua.

The amount of followers of Yeshua was increasing daily. Yahweh was the one responsible for the big increase in these days.

Acts 4:32-35‬‬‬‬‬‬

And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

Because the followers of Yeshua understood that everything that they think they own was in reality from Yahweh, they were able to share their possessions. They didn’t see the possessions as their own anymore. The possessions were from the community in general. The rich followers of Yeshua did sell properties to pay for the journeys of the apostles who where sharing the good news going from city to city. But also because of the poor people in their community.

As result of spreading the good news everywhere, the followers of Yeshua became multi-racial. In spite of all the different races, they experienced a unity in Yeshua that was unbelievable. They gave up their own culture and background to make the culture of Yehova's Kingdom their own. They lived by the standards of Yehova’s Kingdom and received a new identity.

‭‭Acts 2:43 ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

‭‭Acts 4:29-30 ‬‬‬‬

And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Yeshua.”

The followers of Yeshua were also known for their care of the sick, including plague victims, and their respect for the bodies of the dead.

They always prayed for the sick people, they also prayed for the resurrection of the dead people. Many were healed and some dead people even came alive . Yahweh was also protecting the followers of Yeshua, while they spoke with confidence. Not only the apostles did miracles. Everyone who was spreading the good news did miracles.

Yahweh didn’t change. This means that also you can expect miracles when you talk about the good news. My hope is that we as followers of Yeshua today, will start also communities who help eachother and protect eachother. And my hope is that the first followers of Yeshua will be an example for us.