One of the most important aspects of church community life is their care for the poor and specifically here, widows. Seven men were elected to oversee this more organised giving to the poor. A summary statement expresses the growth of the church and its spread despite setbacks.

Once again the Jewish authorities are faced with the problem of what to do about the Apostles and their teaching. Amazingly, Gamaliel, one of the Sanhedrin encourages them to wait to see if this was a temporary religious group or God's. The Apostles are flogged and set free.

Ananias and Sapphira were part of the community of the church. They lied about giving the whole amount from selling their field which was in fact embezzlement. They were hypocritical in trying to gain favour by doing this. They died as a result. The church grew in awe and respect for God and continued to grow in numbers.

Following the release of Peter and John, the church spend time in prayer. Their trust in God, their unity in the faith, and their generosity to fellow believers is evidenced. Barnabas, the 'son of encouragement' is introduced.

Following the healing miracle, the Jewish authorities act against Peter and John and put them in jail overnight. They demand that they no longer speak in the name of Jesus but Peter boldly preaches that Jesus is the only way of salvation.

A remarkable healing miracle takes place in the Temple courts. Peter uses the opportunity of preaching to the crowd about Jesus and how through him the fulfilment of the Abrahamic covenant to bless all nations of the earth is made possible.

The Apostles had four priorities for the emerging, growing church - teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer.

Ten days after the Ascension, at the Pentecost feast, the promised Holy Spirit is given. Peter preaches to the crowd and three thousand join. This is the birth of the church.

About 120 people who had followed Jesus remained in Jerusalem including the eleven remaining Apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus and Jesus' brothers and other disciples - both men and women. A twelfth Apostle was chosen.

The writer, Luke, refers back to the Ascension of Jesus as a decisive point of change in the Apostles' spiritual journey.