Chapter 34 — LOYAL THROUGH PERSECUTION

The apostles continued their work of healing the sick. They also continued to preach with great power about a crucified and risen Saviour. Many people were baptized and became members of the church. But people had to unite their hearts and minds with those who believed in Christ before they could join the church.SRme 1.1145

Great crowds of people came to Jerusalem. They brought their sick and those who were troubled by evil spirits to be healed. Many sick people were laid in the streets. They hoped that the shadow of Peter or John might pass over them and heal them as the apostles walked by. The power of the risen Saviour had been given to the apostles. As the apostles worked miracles, the number of believers increased each day.SRme 1.1146

These happenings made the priests and rulers angry. The Sadducees especially became angry. They did not want the apostles to preach about a risen Saviour or work miracles in His name. The Sadducces knew that if the apostles continued to preach that Christ had risen, soon no one would believe the Sadducees' teaching that there was no resurrection. The Pharisees also were afraid that the people would stop believing in the Jewish rituals if the apostles continued their preaching. Earlier, these leaders had tried to stop the apostles from preaching. But the apostles continued preaching. Now they determined to end the excitement Jesus' followers were causing.SRme 1.1147