Acts 5:14

"None of the rest dared to join them; however, the people honored them."

Key Reflection

This verse highlights the contrast between fear and respect in early Christian communities. While some were too intimidated to follow the apostles, the wider community revered these leaders for their faith and miracles, illustrating both the challenges faced by believers and the esteem they earned among non-believers.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 14. And believers. This is the name by which Christians were designated, because one of the main things that distinguished them was that they believed that Jesus was the Christ. It is also an incidental proof that none should join themselves to the church who are not believers, i.e. who do not profess to be Christians in heart and in life. Were the more added. The effect of all things was to increase the number of converts. Their persecutions, their preaching, and the judgment of God, all tended to impress the minds of the people, and to lead them to the Lord Jesus Christ. Comp. Ac 4:4.

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