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"It appears to me, from reading the Book of Acts, that they were a cult, very much like some of the cults that exist today. They lived in a commune. They ran scams, telling people that the end of days was coming soon and that they should sell all their possessions and turn over all the money to the cult because, when the messiah came back, anyone with money would not get into paradise."

Wow, what a breath taking diatribe. I suggest you actually read the New Testament before making such statements. Clearly you have never read it; it might serve you in some manner, the very least being the factuality of your argument.

However it is rather interesting. You suppose that simple fishermen conspired to become con artists; who made up a stories about a non-existent Messiah; so they could somehow get rich.

Only problem with your theory is that the Apostles lived in poverty, giving most of their possessions to the poor and needy. They spent a good time in jail, or on the run, or being persecuted for their beliefs. In addition, faced with the ability to save their necks, they chose not to deny but rather face horrendous deaths instead. Far from con artists, they admitted their sinful nature and their need for redemption.

Even with all that being said, you fail to address the original question regarding the surviving Apostles. Rather, you describe an outlandish resolution, suggesting law abiding Jews conspired to create a cult so they could somehow steal money from the poor, naive, and ignorant.

Unfortunately, I should have known better than engage you seriously.

Shalom...

Wow, what a breath taking diatribe.

You asked for my take on it and I gave it to you.

Did the Nazarenes get people to give them their life savings by telling them that Christ would be returning soon? Yes or no?

Did Christ actually come (or come back) when they claimed he would? Yes or no?

Perhaps this was a mistake on their part based on genuine belief or perhaps it was a scam. How can we know for sure?

Most important is the fact is that Christ did not come (or come back) when the Nazarenes and Paul insisted he would. Does this have negative implications with regard to the veracity of the Gospels? I think it does. You undoubtedly disagree.

Matthew 16:28: Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.