Page 118 - Prophet Jesus (Pbuh): A Prophet Not A Son, Of God

116 Prophet Jesus (pbuh): A Prophet, Not A Son, of God

adopted the new religion brought by Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and regarded
him as a Messiah. They believed that he was the prophet foretold by
Prophet Moses (pbuh), a man sent by God to turn the Jews to the true
12
path and purify their religion from its deviant beliefs. Following his as-
cension to God's presence, the Nazareans made great effort to spread his
message. The Book of Acts, the most important text in the New
Testament after the four Gospels, provides important information on this

subject.

The Nazarean Message

According to the Book of Acts, the Nazareans began coming under
pressure after God raised Prophet Jesus (pbuh) to His presence.
Orthodox Jews regarded them a heretical sect and sought to silence and
intimidate them. The Nazareans were also in a difficult position with re-
gard to the Roman occupiers. However, oppression and intimidation
failed to silence them, for such policies could not defeat their belief in
God and the ensuing firm solidarity, brotherhood, and sisterhood. As we

read in the Book of Acts:
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling
their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he [she] had need.
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke
bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising
God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their
number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:44-47)
In another section the solidarity and loyalty among the Nazareans is
described in these terms:
All of the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of
his [her] possessions was his [her] own, but they shared everything they
had … much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among