The Lord’s last word to the disciples was to take the witness of His death and resurrection to the uttermost parts of the earth. This witness is to be dynamic and abundantly evident, shining as floodlights into the darkness of men’s hearts. As we see this brilliant beam from the book of Acts we must ask: Have we in the West become like a flashlight flickering and about to go out?
We marvel at verses like Acts 2:41, “and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” What must that have been like to see the Spirit of God moving in their midst with the power of the gospel’s conviction bringing men and women to the foot of the cross?
Many answer this challenge by saying that people today are just not interested in God and in hearing the gospel. In the West we blame materialism, the obsession with pleasure, the open acceptance of evil and the general attitude of selfish ambition to lessen the responsibility of the Church to shine as a radiant witness.
But let us be true to the Word of God and to ourselves in agreeing that the greater the darkness the greater even a small light should shine. Many of the key characteristics of the early Church (that made their witness so effective) have either been replaced with human invention or completely forgotten altogether. Let us reexamine the example given to us by those first disciples and seek to recapture the gospel offensive.
The Spread of the Gospel Message
The disciples took the gospel everywhere. Acts 8:4 reads, “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word.” Convinced of their message, the believers went on the attack. Starting with the temple, they took the good news to the synagogues, philosophers’ schools and into the market places. Prison cells, palaces, houses, mountainsides, ocean ports, cities, towns, street corners and bustling shopping centers rang with the declaration that Christ had died for sinners but now was alive. This message was meant to be heard where lost souls gathered. There was no confusion about where to have a gospel meeting. As far as these saints were concerned, this message was for those who were perishing and to them it must be told. They went to where the people were. It is the desire of God “that the world through Him might be saved” (Jn. 3:17). The disciples preached the gospel in the main centers of Gentile importance, the provincial capitals, on to Rome, and eventually to the limits of the known world.
A Cooperative Effort
Notice how Paul took with him others to be involved in evangelism. This is also a needed practice—training others for the work and cooperation among evangelists. There are many examples such as, Peter and John (Acts 3:1; 8:14) who worked together for the spread of the gospel. Paul at various times labored with Silas, Barnabas, Luke, Timothy, Titus, Demas, Epaphroditus and others. There are many such examples.
As we consider this pattern for the gospel offensive, how do we measure up? It is true that the preaching of the cross is a Church responsibility. Yet have we overlooked the responsibility of the local assembly to preach the gospel in the world? It is not enough to simply book an evangelist to preach, distribute a well-prepared flyer in the community, and pray that the lost come into the local church building to hear a message they know nothing about. We must go out to where the people are.
We must be blazingly evident in the midst of the blackness of this sinful world. Paul writes to the Philippians “that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (2:15). This will mean witnessing to our neighbors and co-workers, handing out tracts at large festivals and events, arranging gospel meetings and debates in public buildings, parks and schools, and setting up booths at fairs and anywhere else people congregate. Of course there are many other ways to take the message into the world.
Not only is it the local church’s responsibility to preach the gospel to the world, but it is every individual believer’s responsibility as well. In the book of Acts we don’t see only a handful of people who might be considered evangelists spreading the gospel. All of the Christians were involved. Certainly God has equipped some Christians with the gift of evangelism; however, all believers should be ready to give witness to the hope within them. It is easy to convince ourselves that as long as the evangelists are doing their job we can sit back and relax from witnessing.
In light of this overwhelming example, may each of us catch the vision of the early Church to see men and women saved. May we all look for ways to be involved in evangelism and, if our local church is ignoring this responsibility, take the initiative to evangelize the lost ourselves. The Lord is our helper. After all, He wills that none should perish. This includes our family, neighbors, coworkers, government officials and even the outspoken resistor to the gospel. May we take heed to Paul’s clear ministry, “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing” (2 Cor. 4:3).
Willingness to Suffer
One of the great proofs of reality in the apostles’ lives was their joy in the Lord through suffering. Acts 5:41 tells us, “They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” In prison, Paul and Silas “were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). This
powerful testimony had a profound impact.
Even under great persecution they were not ashamed to speak of the Lord. We see this in Peter and John (Acts 3:1; 5:29), Stephen (Acts 6:9), the scattered Christians (Acts 8:4) and many more. Boldness led to persecution but this, amazingly, led to rejoicing. Are we ashamed to speak of Christ? Are we afraid of persecution? Let us pray for boldness to proclaim His name to all in every place, persecution or not.
The Evidence of their Love
Gospel preaching was not the only effective way in which the Church in Acts drew men and women to Christ. It was apparent to all that this message that had so gripped these young disciples’ hearts and minds had also affected their actions and way of life.
We notice the immediate change in their new purpose and focus. They had found their mission. Numerous times in Acts we read that they had all things in common and had a single heart and mind (Acts 2:44, 46; 4:32). The Lord, while speaking to the disciples, said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn. 13:35). Taking this seriously, the early Church practiced this love in all that they did.
For example, they sold their possessions and gave of the money to those in need so that no one lacked (Acts 4:34). They also made an effort to take care of widows among them (Acts 6:1). Each believer’s home was open to any Christian and this level of fellowship spilled over into other areas of hospitality (Acts 9:43; 10:22-23; 16:40; 18:2-3). The Church at Antioch sent help to the Christians in Judea (Acts 11:27-30).
The visible expression of their love for one another was a key instrument the Lord used in the early Church to be a witness to the world. How do we compare? Is there an evident token of love between the saints at your local assembly? Is there an awareness of the needs of each other and a definite effort made to meet those needs? I have been overwhelmed in the last two years by the generosity of my fellow believers in meeting some very definite needs that arose. Their willingness to help whenever possible has also spoken volumes to our neighbors who are watching and inquiring. May we never underestimate the power of Christ’s love through us to each other as a successful means of reaching the lost.
The early church was a living body constantly on the offensive. As we reflect on their example, let us strive to recapture that zeal and obedience.
Written by Crawford Paul