Notes on Apostles, Pentecost and Early Church

Judas, one of the original disciples, died by hanging himself in a field, known as the field of blood.
To qualify as an apostle, one had to:
- Witness the baptism of Jesus.
- Witness the resurrection of Jesus.
- Witness the ascension of Jesus.
The candidates to replace Judas were Matthias and Joseph basabas.
The selection process involved:
- Fasting.
- Praying.
- Drawing lots.
Matthias was chosen as the twelfth apostle.

The word "Pentecost" means "fiftieth".
It occurs 50 days after Passover and 10 days after the Ascension.
The event took place in an upper room with the apostles and 120 believers.
The Holy Spirit's arrival was marked by:
- What looked like tongues of fire descending above the believers' heads.
- A sound that filled the room.
- Believers speaking in tongues.
The believers went into the streets speaking in tongues.
Some people understood what they were saying in their own languages.
Peter defended the believers against accusations of drunkenness, stating that bars opened at 9 AM, and it was not yet 9 AM.
Pentecost contributed to significant church growth, with approximately 3000 new Christians.

Early church members shared their belongings and gave to the church.
Joseph Barnabas, meaning "one who encourages", was a key figure in the early church.
The early church established a "common fund".
- Pooling resources to support each other.

The seven helpers were needed due to the church's rapid growth.
Greek-speaking Jewish widows were being neglected during the daily food distribution.
The job of the seven helpers was to look after the daily operations of the new church while the apostles preached.
Requirements for the seven helpers:
- Filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Possess wisdom.
The seven helpers:
- Philip
- Parmenas
- Simon
- Stephen
- Prochorus
- Niaconar
- Nicholas