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.
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