The whole world knew they were there and what they were doing.
How did these early believers make such an impact? By lives of holy separation, by good works linked with tireless gospel witness, by evident love for one another, and by strategic thinking.
Whole cities were stirred when the Christians arrived in town. They were talked about by the common people in the markets and in the mansions of the rich and famous. They were known in the prisons and the palaces. Slaves like Onesimus heard the gospel from their lips, but so did Caesar. Some mocked or persecuted them; some believed them; no one ignored them. Their accusers said, “These that have turned the world upside down are come here also” (Acts 17:6).
The believers had method in what they did. The evangelists went first to the big centers: Corinth, Thessalonica, Ephesus, Rome. Then, as Paul would write to the Thessalonians, “From you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad” (1 Thess. 1:8). Of his stay in Ephesus, Luke observed, “…all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:10). By establishing bases at the crossroads, they would set up spheres of influence that spread into the interior.
We need to think about this in North America. At a time when millions are moving to the cities, many assemblies have shrunk or disappeared there as the Christians move to suburbia or into the countryside, looking for a better environment for their families. This isn’t to be criticized, but who will reach the cities for Christ? In the last few years there have been new assemblies started in some major centers, but there are many others that need a committed band of fearless workers to take on cities just as wicked as—but substantially larger than—Corinth or Rome.
As Hitler contemplated his invasion of Poland, he asked his generals with disdain, “Who would die for Danzig?” He greatly misjudged the resolve of the Allies; thousands gave their lives to stop him. But the question comes to us today. Would we give our lives for the cause of turning back the powers of darkness in San Francisco or Toronto, Miami or Vancouver, Phoenix or Detroit? Thank God for the Christians who are there! They need our prayerful concern and encouragement. But they need more. They need troops to help turn the tide. There are scores of mid-sized cities too, that need to be prayed for and wept over, and labored in while we still have time.
The apostles often went first to the monotheists where part of the work was already done. We should consider this. Instead of seeing mainline religions as a roadblock, acknowledge that they have taught some things right and start from there. Do they believe that Jesus is God? That men are sinners? Do they believe in heaven and want to go there? These are all wonderful starting points for witness.
If rejected by the synagogues, the apostles were willing to engage with the day’s thinkers. Some object to Paul’s approach at Mars’ hill, saying that no assembly was founded there (as far as we know). But it should be noted on that occasion, “certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them” (Acts 17:34). That makes a minimum of five, probably several more. I would be quite encouraged if, on an unplanned stop in Boston, I was hauled in before the professors at Harvard (a comparable scenario) and saw that many saved!
Clear thinking, straight talking, holy living, hard working, sacrificial giving, practical caring—no wonder secular powers saw them as a threat and the common people heard them gladly. We want New Testament churches? We need New Testament living.