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Coincidentally at the time of the Tucson assassination attempt on Congresswoman Giffords, a report was released by Stanford University on heroism. The report is significant because of the number of individuals who acted heroically in front of the Safeway Store. The study found that 20% of all Americans have acted heroically. A heroic action was defined as someone who helped during a dangerous emergency, has taken a stand against injustice, or sacrificed for a stranger. In reviewing the report, Stanford University Professor Philip Zimbardo said, "At a very deep psychological level, we all need and want heroes to inspire us. Heroes are really the soul of a nation. They represent what is best in human nature."
With the conception of the church after the resurrection of Jesus, many came to follow the teachings of the apostles. This was a courageous act in a time of religious persecution of Christians. But as Luke recounts, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship." Their devotion to the apostles was a heroic act. The same devotion, the same heroism, should be expected of us today.
With the conception of the church after the resurrection of Jesus, many came to follow the teachings of the apostles. This was a courageous act in a time of religious persecution of Christians. But as Luke recounts, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship." Their devotion to the apostles was a heroic act. The same devotion, the same heroism, should be expected of us today.
