Depending on one’s translation and understanding of Acts 5:12, this could be a reference either to unbelievers or Christians. If it refers to unbelievers, then the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira prevented new people from joining the Christian gatherings and coming to learn from the apostles.1 Perhaps they were fearful that a half-hearted commitment would result in judgment.2 Alternatively, if it is a reference to Christian believers, then the threats of the Sanhedrin and the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira have made them somewhat weary and unwilling to put themselves in a place of unnecessary risk.3
13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem.