Universalism in the New Testament
BooK of Acts of the First Believers
(Paraphrased)
1 - The apostles were still at the temple talking to the people there, when some priests, the captain of the temple guard, and some Sadducees arrived. 2 They were angry because the apostles were teaching the people that the dead would be raised from death, as Jesus had been. 3 It was late afternoon and they arrested Peter and John and put them in jail for the night. 4 But a lot of people who had heard the message believed it, and so now there were about 5,000 followers of the Lord.
5 The next morning the leaders, the elders, and the teachers of the Law of Moses called a council in Jerusalem. 6 The high priest Annas was there, as well as Caiaphas, also John, Alexander, and other members of the high priest's family. 7 They brought in Peter and John and made them stand in the middle of the room while they questioned them. They asked, “By what power and in whose name have you done this?”
8 Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit{/Presence of God} and told the leaders, 9 “You are questioning us today about a kind deed. A man who could not walk was healed! 10 Let it be known to you and all of Israel, that this man is standing here completely well because of the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You crucified Jesus, but God raised him to life. 11 He is the stone you builders thought of as worthless, but he’s the most important foundation stone. 12 Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only name in all the world that can save anyone. {From death and its cause imperfection/entropy, God being Life and “is perfect” Mt.5:48. No option to stray, and humanity would be an ant farm, so “God is savior..” 1Tim.4:10.}
13 The officials were amazed to see how bold Peter and John were, and they knew they were only ordinary men with not much education, but also knew they had been with Jesus. 14 And they couldn’t deny what had happened. The man who had been healed was there, standing with Peter and John.
15 They ordered them to leave the council room. Then they said to one another, 16 “What can we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows about this miracle, and we can’t say it didn't happen. 17 But to keep this thing from spreading, we’ll instruct them not to speak to anyone about the name of Jesus again.” 18 So they called the two back in and told them they must not teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered, “Do you think God wants us to obey you? Or to obey him? 20 We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.”
21The council could find no good reason to hold or to punish Peter and John. So they threatened them and let them go. 22 The man who was healed was more than 40 years old, and everyone was praising God for the miracle.
🗝️ [ ] - word/language insights, cross references, etc.
{ } - thots
My own studies. Paraphrased to post.
