Observation

This question was quite popular among the candidates and those who attempted it showed a good mastery of this passage and their performance was above average. However, some students did not have detailed knowledge of the passage as some candidates especially in the A part used the experiences of their daily church to answer the question. Candidates fail to realize that the characteristics of the early church are different from that of the contemporary churches. However in the B part, candidates were able to use the experiences of the contemporary churches to tackle the question, Points candidates needed to have pointed out in the A part are;

1. Following Peter’s speech at Pentecost, three thousand (3000) people were added to the church.
2. The new converts were then baptised.
3. Believers engaged in fellowship/ breaking of bread / prayers.
4. Many signs and wonders were performed by the apostles.
5. All the believers shared their possessions.
6. The people praised God.
7. God kept bringing people into the church.
8. Food was eaten with happiness.
9. Believers were with oneness of heart/ soul.
10. No one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own.
11. They all had everything in common.
12. The apostles testified to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
13. There was not a needy person among the believers.
14. Some land/ house owners sold their properties and brought the money for the upkeep of the people. Eg: Barnabas.
15. Distribution was made to each as any had need.
16. However, Ananias and Sapphira his wife were not sincere in giving out their possession and were instantly punished.
17. Another important event which nearly marred/ destroyed the unity of the church was the unfair distribution of provisions. However this was resolved by the appointment of the deacons.

CAUSES OF THE GRADUAL DESTRUCTION OF OUR COMMUNAL VALUES

1. Incursion of Western culture.
2. Greed/ selfishness.
3. Lack of love for others.
4. High level of poverty.
5. People are no longer their brother’s keepers.
6. Lack of commitment by leaders.
7. Lack of parental responsibilities.
8. Urbanization / modernization.
9. Negative influence of the media.
10. Western Education.
11. Western Religion.