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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
and they were filled with the Holy Ghost. They went forth to their
work, speaking the Word of God with convincing power, and there
were daily large additions to the church. Great numbers had collected
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at Jerusalem to observe the sacred feast. The exciting scenes of the
crucifixion and resurrection had called out a much larger number than
usual. When the truth taught by the apostles was brought suddenly
and with convincing power before them, thousands were converted in
a day.
These early believers were most of them immediately cut off from
family and friends by the zealous bigotry of the Jews. Many of the
converts were thrown out of business, and exiled from their homes be-
cause they followed the convictions of their consciences, and espoused
the cause of Christ. It was necessary to provide this large number,
congregated at Jerusalem, with homes and sustenance. Those having
money and possessions cheerfully sacrificed them to the existing emer-
gency. Their means were laid at the feet of the apostles, who made
distribution to every man according as he had need; and there were
none among them who lacked.
One example of noble benevolence is particularly mentioned in the
Scriptures: “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas
(which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation), a Levite, and of
the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money,
and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” This was the effect of the pouring
out of the Spirit of God upon the believers. It made them of one
heart and soul. They had one common interest—the success of the
mission intrusted to them. Their love for their brethren, and the cause
which they had espoused, was far greater than their love for money and
possessions. They acted out their faith, and by their works testified that
they accounted the souls of men of far greater value than any earthly
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heritage.
When selfish love of the world enters the heart, spirituality dies.
The very best antidote for love of the world is the outpouring of the
Spirit of God. When the love of Christ takes full possession of the
heart, we shall strive to follow the example of Him who for our sakes
became poor, that through his poverty we might be made rich. When
it becomes apparent that the Spirit of truth weakens the affections
of its disciples from the world, and renders them self-sacrificing and