The first twenty years of Christianity can be summed up by two themes: explosive growth and continual conflict. There is no such thing as an idyllic pristine early Church. What we find is a fugitive church that experiences attacks, murders, famine, and heresy. We find a church marred by internal conflict and schism.
Yet we see in the midst of this Jesus’ promise: “I will build my church.” The gospel spread to Europe (Acts 13–14) and Africa during this time (see Acts 8) despite the severe problems. And the next twenty years were no less chaotic, culminating in the invasion of Israel by Rome and the sacking of Jerusalem.
Additional scriptures referenced include Acts 1:4, 14, 26; Acts 4:1-4; Acts 6:1-6; Acts 7:54–60; Acts 8:1-3; Acts 9:23–25; Galatians 1:16; Galatians 2:18; Acts 9:29-30; Galatians 2:1; Luke 10:1-24; Acts 11:28-29; Acts 12:1-5; and Acts 15:1, 11, 20.
What does the gospel of Matthew teach us about the first guideline for abundant living? This guideline is based on a commandment that regulates...
The Bible has a lot to say about being an overcomer. The term overcomer is especially prominent in the book of Revelation, where Jesus...
Colossians is written explicitly to defeat a heresy that has arisen in Colossae, which endangers the existence of this church in Asia Minor. While...