Universalism in the New Testament
BooK of Acts of the First Believers
(Paraphrased)
23 When Peter and John were released, they went to the rest of the believers and reported what the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together in prayer and praise, saying, “Sovereign LORD, you who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and everything in them, 25 and who through our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit{/Presence of God} — ‘Why do the nations rage? And the people devise vain things? 26 The highest of earth gather and set theirselves, against the LORD and against his Anointed.’ 27 In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod (Antipas), Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. 28 To do your purpose and your plan, you ordained to happen! 29 And now, LORD, hear their threats and grant to your servants to speak your word [logos - reasoning, message; root word of logic] with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, with signs and wonders performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit{/Presence of God} and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. [Ps.2]
32 Those who believed were of one heart and mind. No one even said what belonged to them was theirs, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and put it in the apostle’s hands, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, also called Barnabas, which means son of encouragement [paraklésis], a Levite (line who served in the temple, but not as a priest) and a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money to the apostles.
🗝️ [ ] - word/language insights, cross references, etc.
{ } - thots
From my own studies. Paraphrased to post.
