Truth Magazine

By Dan King

All of us have felt inadequate before some great task in our lives. The first time we had to speak in front of a group of people was such an experience for most of us. Those of us who were not particularly good in some phase of mathematics, like Algebra, Geometry or Calculus, felt frustrated and weak before these profound disciplines of math. Some have known total frustration on their first day at a new job, learning and having to keep up with those who have been “at it” for some time already. It is certainly a very human emotion, natural to a variety of circumstances and situations.

We have surely known, then, something of how Paul must have felt when he came to the great metropolis of Corinth, capital of Achaia. Trained as a Jewish rabbi, converted to Christianity and empowered by Christ, he still knew the feeling of inadequacy in the face of so grand a work as this among so intelligent and sophisticated a people as these highly cultured Greeks. John Pollock captured this historic moment with the following description:

Corinth was the biggest city Paul had yet encountered, a brash new commercial metropolis founded in its current form less than a hundred years earlier after a century in ruins. It squeezed nearly a quarter million people into a comparatively small area, a large proportion being slaves engaged in unending movement of goods. Slaves or free, Corinthians were rootless, cut off from their country background, drawn from races and districts all over the empire and, except for the Jewish community, without natural groupings: a curiously close parallel to the population of a twentieth-century “inner-city,” the over crowded materialistic heart of any great urban concentration, with the superficial difference that Corinthians masked their materialism, sexual appetites and superstitions behind a cloak of religiousness. . . If the love of Christ Jesus could take root in Corinth, the most populated, wealthy, commercial-minded and sex-obsessed city of eastern Europe, it must prove powerful anywhere (The Apostle: A Life of Paul 121).

His own strength was meaningless, his own wisdom pitiful, as he saw it. He did not know this then, but it is just at such a time as this that we are truly strong, for then is God’s strength capable of being exercised (2 Cor. 12:9). God’s power is made perfect in our weakness, for then we will move out of the way (so to speak) and, in faith, permit God to do his part. It was under such circumstances, and in the context of the Corinthian work, that Paul came fully to comprehend the power of God which had been poured into earthen vessels: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7).

Thus, he made the following observations about his preaching, which ought to have tremendous power in con-soling us over our own feelings of inadequacy about living the Christian life and facing its many trials and challenges:

Paul came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom (1 Cor. 2:1). Human wisdom was already in great abundance in Corinth, as it is present in our cities and towns today. But the world is not looking to us for either of these, at least that portion that would be saved. The world needs the saving word of the Gospel, the message of truth and hope. Of course, there is a natural appetite that the world has for the appealing things of this carnal realm, but we cannot give it what it wants, but rather what it needs: “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Cor. 2:4). That is just what Paul did. He delivered them a dose of what was needed, whether it was wanted or not. The result was a bountiful harvest of souls at Corinth: “and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:8). This was not always the case, for Athens was relatively negative toward the Gospel (Acts 17:32-34).

Paul was with them in weakness (1 Cor. 2:3). The natural impulse of the male of our species is to show no weakness, but rather to appear strong in the face of all odds. Apparently Paul overcame this impulse, for he really was dwarfed by the immensity of his opposition at Corinth.

This city was the home of a great temple of Aphrodite, a cult dedicated to the glorification of sex. One thousand girls were kept consecrated to the goddess, and their pro-cessions, rituals and individual solicitude so aroused male devotees and set the tone of the city that the ancient world described habitual fornicators as “Living like Corinthians.” Here was also the temple of Apollo, which also glorified sex as well as music, song and poetry, for Apollo was the ideal of male beauty. The temple’s inner recesses held nude statues and friezes of Apollo intended to fire his male worshippers to physical displays of devotion with the god’s beautiful boys. Apollo’s temple encouraged homosexuality and pedophilia. Before such magesterial evil, Paul stood in abject fear: “And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling” (1 Cor. 2:3). But he knew, even as John did that “greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 Jn. 4:4).

Paul determined to know only Christ crucified (1 Cor. 2:2). Paul was a well-educated man: no doubt he knew a lot of things, many facts and figures, names and dates, etc. But he came to these people knowing only the message of Jesus and the cross. Yet, the wonder of it is that this is all he needed, for it turned the city upside down. A fine congregation of saints was borne out of his proclamation of the crucified Christ at Corinth.

4. Paul established their faith in the power of God (1 Cor. 2:5). By refusing to promote human wisdom, he turned the people’s attention away from himself and man’s wisdom, firmly planting the Corinthian church on the solid foundation of Christ. Paul could not save anyone, not even himself.

Only the power of God and the blood of Christ could accomplish sin’s remission. But Paul could only establish their faith in Christ when his was first centered upon him. This was the order then, and it is the order now.

In our own struggle toward the goal of the high calling of God, let us remember that a feeling of utter inadequacy is not only normal but even healthy. It is our own opportunity to reach out to the only source of true spiritual enlightenment and strength. When we come to know only “Jesus Christ, and him crucified,” that is, realize our own weakness and inadequacy, and fall back upon the wisdom and power of God. Then and only then, will we be able to accomplish any important thing in his service.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 4, p. 20-21
February 18, 1993

By Stan Adams

A young gospel preacher passed away. He never occupied the pulpit and never received a salary. Sean Teagarden was, however, a very special evangelist.

I have been asked by the family to write this tribute to this brave young champion of faith, and I am honored to relate his story to you.

Sean was an average young person. He was a delight to his parents, Vernon and Evenly. He was full of life and had a keen wit and sense of humor. He enjoyed life! He received his share of cuts and bruises and discipline, throughout his life. Sean was blessed to be born into a close family. He was loved and knew it from an early age. Mom and Dad were always able to be found. In a society where more and more women are pursuing “fulfilling careers,” the Teagarden’s value the importance of Evelyn being a “keeper at home.” They could have more “things,” if she worked outside of the home, but the tremendous family life they enjoy, would suffer greatly. We would all do well to learn from them. A stable home life is vital to our children.

At the age of 15, Sean was a healthy young man, or so it appeared. One day he came home from wrestling practice and complained of pain in his back. This was pursued and treated. A few weeks later, the pain had gone to his legs and he returned to the doctor for further examination. It was discovered that Sean had a large tumor. Later the biopsy revealed that Sean had a very rare form of cancer,

Stan Adams

Rabdo-Myo-Sarcoma. There have been only 50 cases of it in the entire U.S. They were told the cure rate was 5 per-cent. His cancer was Stage 4, which is rather advanced. Sean wanted to live! He told his parents he was ready to fight his cancer. Over the next nine months he received over 5,000 rads of radiation (28 treatments), as well as chemotherapy. The cancer was arrested from the bone marrow, and the outlook seemed bright. Sean enjoyed his 16th birthday party, and the prognosis seemed good. Almost overnight, the cancer reappeared! It had developed a resistance to the chemotherapy and had spread throughout Sean’s body. The doctor gave him a month to live. He faced the news bravely, when told. The chemotherapy was resumed, but was in-effective. He asked his parents if he could go home to die. You see, this boy loved home and family! He was brought home and in just a few days he breathed his last breath on earth and truly went home.

I sat with the family until 10:00 a.m. Friday morning. I listened and observed the last hours of this young man’s struggle. I sat in admiration of the family who cared so much. I listened to Sean recall events of his life, all of which were happy. I heard him gasp and labor for every breath, and finally watched and helped, as his body was removed from his room. I was touched by his bravery and by the family’s strength. Sean preached a sermon to us that needs to be heard by all. Here are some lessons he taught us.

The uncertainty of life! (Jas. 4:13,14 — “Ye know not what shall be on the morrow. . . What is your life, but a vapor, that appears for a short time and then vanishes.”)

He only lived 16 years, but they were rich, pure, wonderful and happy years. I know people who would love to have 16 happy years to remember, and they are much older than 16.

Each one of us lives life one breath at a time, and we are just one heartbeat away from death at all times. Sean knew this, do you? If you are a young person reading this, are you a Christian? If not why not?

Life is worth the pain and struggle. (Job) Sean endured tremendous humiliation and pain. He suffered a great deal. He did so with a pleasant spirit, healthy outlook, and even a sense of humor! His attitude was positive. Even though he knew death was close, he fought to live, to the very end.

When you think you have it tough think of people like Sean. He never felt sorry for himself, but did feel for those who cared for him. He seemed to try to protect them from hurt, and bravely endured many things, silently, so he would not alarm his parents and sisters. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us the devil will throw everything he can at us to get us to break. He did not win with Sean!

Priorities are important! (Matt. 6:33 — “Seek ye first the kingdom. . . “). Sean had his priorities settled. He was a Christian, and was prepared to go be with the Lord. He put God first, as he had been trained to do by his parents. He did not put sports ahead of church services! He did not let anything come in the way of his service to God. In his Bible he had written by Psalm 100, “Walk with him here, talk with him there.”

In an age when many young people are carried away with being popular and pursuing their selfish interests, it is time for all to reflect on what is truly important. Sean never got his driver’s license. He received a truck and had it parked outside his window, but he knew it was only an item. He would have gladly given it away for another day of life. He realized it doesn’t matter if you are popular with the world, if it means hurting God. He realized that being good at sports, really doesn’t matter, when it comes to life and death! What really matters, is are you a Christian?

On this earth, family closeness and love are vital! (Eph. 6:1,2 — “Children, obey your parents . . . for this is right, honor your father and mother.”)

We should not be surprised at the way Sean handled death! He was prepared by godly parents to handle life and be prepared for death! Parents, are you preparing your child to face the challenges of life, with Christ? When the time comes for your child to walk the “valley of the shadow of death,” will Christ be there to comfort him? Are you more interested in how much money he makes and where he goes to school, and how popular he is, than you are in the spiritual destiny? Mothers, are you out pursuing a career to “fulfill yourself” and sacrificing your children to do so? Fathers, do you spend time with your children doing family things?

When it came time for Sean to die, he wanted to go home. He was tired and weary of hospitals. He wanted his family around him. He loved them and cared for them and it was mutual. He wanted mom and dad, or sister. How close is your family? The Teagarden’s are a family. They do things together, like attending meetings, singing in the car, joking, laughing and crying. We need more families like them!

How you die is governed by how you live! Sean slipped away peacefully, quietly, and with family around. He was not bitter. He was concerned about others becoming bitter and admonished them not to let this happen. He “remembered his Creator in the days of his youth.” Sean could face the giant of cancer, because he could face the “lions and bears” of life, much like David of old (1 Sam. 17). He could face the small everyday things with God, and this prepared him to face the giant things when they came.

Sean told his family that he was glad it was him and not someone who was unprepared — what faith!

Sean told his father toward the end, that he had two regrets. One was that he would never have his own family, and the other was that he had not had the time to help convert someone to Christ. Only the first was really true. His father spoke to him of those he had influenced to obey his example. His sermon will continue to be heard!

I sat and listened to Sean talk in his last hours, about Bible stories he heard as a young child. I observed two loving parents, and two loving sisters, who truly loved him. The family has been through a lot, but they have come through with strength. The lonely days come and go and time helps us to go on, but his loss will always be felt. The friends and family that gathered for the funeral will continue to help ease the hard days ahead. The influence of Sean and his family was evidenced by the attendance of over 500 at the funeral and the 76 cars that went to the cemetery. His school asked for a copy of the sermon delivered by brother Wes Brown, of Charleston, WV, so the students could listen. He was honored for his courage, faith and hope.

Heaven is surely worth it all! (1 Cor. 2:9; Jn. 14:2; Rev. 21:4,6,7,23-27) Another saint has passed over to the other side. Heaven is appealing enough because our Savior is there, but when one we love has gone on to Paradise to await the Judgment, it makes getting to heaven a little more urgent (Matt. 5:4). In the words of brother Brown, may we all have the attitude of Balaam when he said: “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!” (Num. 23:10)

Brave Young Soldier

A fighter from the very first, our brave young soldier was. Battling hard with labored breath to overcome the foe. Loving mom could only watch, and hold him close and hug. While loving dad with furrowed brow fought bitter tears of woe

Sweet sisters both in their own sweet way stood by with tender love.

Sean, the brave young soldier fights on to be above.

He fights for life because of One who died for all you see. He suffered also long and hard and died upon a tree.

Just sixteen you might say, but 16 pure and happy years. The words and memories he recalls are good ones, void of fears.

Death will come to Sean so soon, but will not the victor be. Sean awaits a heavenly home where his Savior he will see.

There is no sting in this young death for he has the victory. We all will see him one sweet day, if we serve faithfully.

A void will be in all our lives from the death of one so brave. But our garden of memories will overflow, from this one who showed us how to behave.

Words are vain, hugs grow empty, and long will be the day. But we with happy hope shall await, the great reunion Way.

(Written by Stan Adams in loving tribute to Sean Teagarden and his wonderful family. October 9, 1992.)

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 4, p. 8-9
February 18, 1993

By Lewis Willis

When I was a boy, our small-town Baptist church was as strong as garlic on moral questions. They op-posed divorce and remarriage for any cause. They opposed drunkenness. They opposed lying, cheating and stealing. It would have been insulting to those people to have even asked what they thought of homosexuality. Everybody would have known they were against it.

With this background knowledge of the Baptist church, I found it absolutely shocking to read in the Beacon Journal (3-3-92) that a Raleigh, North Carolina Baptist church was giving its approval to “gay nuptials.” By a nearly two-thirds majority, this Southern Baptist church “defied its parent church by voting to bless a gay union.” The preacher said, “We’re taking a stand toward a responsible expression of sexuality. . . It’s a stand of support toward persons who want to commit to a long-term monogamous relation-ship.” Therefore, two homosexual men will be “blessed” at a future service.

There are several things that I want to mention about this matter. The first is, the Law of God has not changed on this despicable sin since my childhood. God has always condemned the practice of homosexuality. Moses wrote the following in the book of Leviticus: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination” (18:22); “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them” (20:13). When it was time to write the New Testament, the Holy Spirit restated God’s opposition to this abomination. “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet” (Rom. 1:26-27). The Apostle Paul said such unrighteous people would not inherit the Kingdom: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, or thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

There is no place in the Scriptures where God has changed his opposition to this sin. What we see here is a case of still another human denomination changing its position on the sin. To them, it will no longer be considered a sin. They voted and decided it was not a sin. I wonder, if it works with homosexuality, will the same process work with murder? Or stealing? Or adultery? Where is that passage of Scripture that says men can vote to change God’s Law? The Episcopalians thought they could do this, and now the Baptists are joining with them. It could only be a matter of time until sanctioned homosexuality will be Baptist church law — like it is among Episcopalians and Presbyterians. Who would have thought that even a single Baptist church would have taken this position? This illustrates what hap-pens when people abandon the Scriptures. The longer they act without scriptural authority, the farther they get from it. The story has been repeated too many times to even need proof.

Incidentally, some say homosexuals are born this way, and cannot change. There were homosexuals at Corinth who obeyed the Gospel. Paul would say, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11). If homosexuals can’t change from their abominable life, how do you suppose the Corinthians managed to do so?

This is another of those efforts of men to justify themselves, while practicing that which God forbids. Try as men may, it just does not work! Though I am not a prophet, I predict that it will not be long before we start reading of the debate among Baptists over whether or not they will vote to ordain homosexuals into their ministry. Further-more, I predict that, like these other churches, those who oppose their ordination will lose!

Ladies and Gentlemen, if you are going to violate God’s Law about worship, work and organization of the church, how can you stop those who want to violate that law on a moral issue like homosexuality? The answer is, you can’t. The Baptists don’t know this yet, but they will learn — as all others have who have chosen to walk in that path of disobedience. A word of warning: It does not take an idea a long time to find its way from denominationalism into the Lord’s church. This same kind of shameful report will have to be written one of these days about us, unless we stand at the door of the Kingdom , with the sword of the Spirit, and fight to keep such sin from entering. Are you ready for that battle? Will you fight (1 Tim. 6:12)?

Other Sins Have Already Entered

I read in The Christian Chronicle (Vol. 49:3/March 1992), that two so-called “Christian” Colleges, operated by liberal churches of Christ, each need $1 million to prevent the loss of their accreditation. These colleges are said to be “sup-ported by churches of Christ.” One is “asking churches nationwide to contribute to a special drive on March 15.” I can remember when these liberals would neither ask for nor accept funds from church treasuries. But, not any more. There was no New Testament authority for the church to support educational institutions back then, and there is none now. If someone thinks he has that authority, let him show us the Scriptures! It is nothing but sin when the church acts without authority from its Head, Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18; 3:17).

No amount of supposed “good” that might come from such an enterprise, will cause the “sin” of it to be turned into righteousness. Those who insist on traveling this course, have abandoned God, and have been abandoned by him (2 Jn. 9-11). We must keep the church true to its mission! We must not involve it in things that are unauthorized. This, too, will be a “fight,” as it has been in the past. Are you ready for that battle? Will you fight (1 Tim. 6:12)? What is the difference between perverting the mission of the church, by having it support human institutions like colleges, and perverting its stand on homosexuality? Both have always been — and always will be — sin! We must never allow ourselves to be caught up in “perversion” — of any kind!

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 4, p. 17-18
February 18, 1993

By Tom Roberts

The physical world which early Christians traversed in planting the gospel throughout the first century was vastly different than our world today. Religion, transportation, language, culture, and government were as different from our generation’s as night from day. Any consideration of the gospel age and the growth of truth in the Roman Empire is incomplete without reflection upon these differences and their impact on the early church. Luke, as an inspired historian, touches on many of these things while not pretending to be an unabridged, exhaustive recorder of those times.

The providence of God, however nebulous to us, was no doubt in evidence as the era of the gospel was predestined to be “in the days of those kings” (Dan. 2:44) and in the “fulness of time” (Gal. 4:4). Surely, it was no accident that a common language (Koine Greek) was spoken throughout the world, that Roman roads and a system of transportation existed empire-wide, that Jews had been dispersed throughout the world (taking with them the knowledge of Jehovah), and that Roman citizens (such as Paul and his companions) could travel freely across borders. The spread of the gospel was insured through personal conviction and the prevailing conditions, not, as our generation would like to believe, through mass media, institutional churches and Madison Avenue techniques of promotionalism. An analysis of New Testament times should help us to understand that current conditions, however different they are from the past, should not hinder us when we have the same personal conviction as early Christians. When we understand the ancient times in which the gospel flourished, we should be encouraged in our attempts to spread the message throughout our world. We find a number of interesting chronicles by Luke that are worthy of consideration.

Religion

America has not had a lot of experience with idolatry, to date. However, because of the influx of refugees from

Asia, we are seeing an increase of Oriental religions and a burgeoning idolatry. Most major cities now have temples with Buddhists, etc., that are promoting false gods. While we are experiencing something new in the United States, the Roman world was familiar with thousands of gods. As Paul saw firsthand in Athens (Acts 17), temples abounded to every conceivable deity and, lest one be overlooked, an altar with the inscription “to an unknown god,” existed. From the fraternal gods of the Romans and Greeks to the adopted gods of assimilated tribes, Rome had a panoply of altars. Even emperor worship flourished under the reign of some Caesars. These religious concepts affected every aspect of daily life and commerce. Idolatry condoned every form of immorality and early converts had to put away various forms of sexual impurity that were endorsed and encouraged by pagans. The gathering in Jerusalem (Acts 15) that received God’s acceptance of Gentiles into the church without Judaistic conformity, warned these converts to “abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood” (v. 20). Early Christians would have been familiar with temples that promoted prostitution in their worship. Likewise, idolaters who were deprived of their commercial profit in the manufacture of silver Diana statues rioted against Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19) when truth clashed with this error. It is feared that Americans are just beginning to learn of the evils of idolatry and will see more of it in coming years. We need to be prepared to face this device of the Devil.

The early church was entirely Jewish (Acts 2) and continued so until Acts 10, with the conversion of the first Gen-tile, Cornelius. The church of today is disproportionately Gentile, with few Jews. Most Christians have not had any contact with modern Jews and would have to think twice about how to convince a Jew that Jesus is the Christ. Paul, however, made it his practice to visit the synagogues in every city to reason from “the law and the prophets” that Jesus was Christ (13:16-52). Only when the Jews blasphemed by their rejection did Paul turn to the Gentiles. A large portion of the New Testament epistles addresses the relation-ship between Jew, Gentile, the law of Moses and faith (Galatians, Hebrews, et al).

Transportation

When the prophet said, “How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things” (Rom. 10:15; Isa. 52:7), he probably did not have in mind the journeys of Paul. However, Paul’s feet made many steps in taking the gospel to the Roman world. Early Christians made do without modern automobiles, trains or planes. When the disciples were “scattered abroad” (Acts 8:4), they probably walked. Horses were used on occasion (Acts 23:23-24), sailing vessels spanned large bodies of water (13:4), but transportation was slow, dangerous and tortuous (27:14-44; 2 Cor. 11:25). The Roman Empire stretched west to east from Spain to India. Paul wrote that during the life-time of the apostles, the gospel “was preached in all creation under heaven” (Col. 1:23). This was possible, in large part, due to the Pax Romana, or Roman peace, that subdued the world. The famous Roman road system that spanned the empire, the safety of travel insured by garrisons of soldiers throughout the world, and connecting sailing vessels made it possible to reach every province. In this regard, Christians of the twentieth century and beyond should realize our advantage of rapid and safe travel to take the gospel to the whole world. Our globe is shrinking every day due to communication devices and swift transportation. Let us deter-mine to learn from Luke’s record and take advantage of these blessings to spread the news of truth. Our failure to convert the lost of our generation is not due to a lack of transportation facilities. Rather, we have taken the “go” out of the Great Commission and our lack of conviction makes us impotent when compared to our first century brethren. Perhaps we can learn what is meant by “how beautiful are the feet” when we put our feet into our neighbors’ houses with the gospel message.

Language and Culture

It has already been noted that a common tongue made communication somewhat easier in New Testament times. Additionally, the gift of tongues and miraculous interpretation (Acts 2; 1 Cor. 13:10; et al) aided early Christians in reaching ethnic peoples. Luke recorded that the gospel reached “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (1:8). Paul anticipated reaching Spain (Rom. 15:24), having preached extensively in Asia Minor and Europe. Peter mentioned Babylon (1 Pet. 5:13, possibly symbolic). The gospel was preached to the people in towns and villages (14:21), large cities (Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Philippi, Athens, Corinth, Rome), and in jail cells (16:23-34), “publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20), to slaves, freemen, Roman citizens, and rulers (the Sanhedrin, Festus, Felix, Agrippa, Nero). People from all walks of life and cultures were taught. Some were pious (Lydia, faithful Jewish men and women in synagogues), others superstitious (Acts 17), flagrant sinners (the Corinthians: Acts 18; 1 Cor. 6:9ff), indifferent (Gallio, Acts 18:15), or rebellious (Stephen, Acts 7). The end result was a melding of Jew and Greek, male and female, bond andfree into one new man, the Christian (Acts 11:26). These from every type of culture and race, with every kind of tongue, were assimilated into the family of God and given a common heritage (20:32; 1 Cor. 1:10). We show a lack of faith in the gospel message when we do not permeate our society with the gospel message. Lacking a common tongue or miraculous gifts, we yet have translation and mass media facilities that overcome this handicap. Let us determine to use these media to reach every level of language and culture of our age and continue “to build up” (Acts 20:32; Eph. 4:11-16) the cause of Christ.

Government

Luke also recorded that the form of government in apostolic days was different from today. Beyond little doubt, it was much worse than anything we have known in America. Yet the gospel was able to flourish in spite of official government persecution.

Jewish officials (the Sanhedrin, Pharisees, Sadducees, priests and rulers) rejected Jesus as King from the very first and crucified him through the hands of the Roman officials (Acts 2:23). After the church was established, the ruling hierarchy of the Jews attempted to suppress the gospel and, while unable to execute capital punishment independent of Roman permission, inflicted much punishment on the saints. The apostles were imprisoned (4:1-3), threatened (5:17), and beaten (5:40). Stephen was stoned to death (7:60) and the church scattered through Saul’s persecution (8:3ff). James was killed by Herod (12:1ff) and Peter escaped only by divine help. At first indifferent to what they considered a sect of the Jews, the Romans were quite willing to pacify the Jews by joining in the persecution of Christians (25:9). Paul (who before had persecuted the church as Saul) was arrested and kept in a Roman prison at Caeserea for years. He had trials before the Sanhedrin (23:1ff), Felix (24:1-23), Festus (25:1-8), and Herod (26:1-29). Finally, knowing of plots to kill him, Paul had to appeal to Caesar (25:12; 26:32). Inspired history does not record this trial, but Paul speaks of his “first trial” (2 Tim. 4:16), probably before Nero. He expected a second one that would result in his death (2 Tim. 4:6) and secular history records a great onslaught by Rome as official government persecution tried to eradicate the church of Christ.

Rome is Gone — The Kingdom Remains

The message of Luke, viewed as a historian, is the same as those great prophets from ancient Israel. Isaiah (ch. 2), Joel (ch. 2) and Daniel (ch. 2) all taught that the God of heaven would establish a kingdom through the power of the Holy Spirit, in Jerusalem, in the days of Rome (fulfilled in Acts 2). The prophets testified that this kingdom would be eternal. Luke recorded the efforts of many to destroy the kingdom but showed how futile these efforts were. Rome no longer exists; the Lord’s church is spread throughout the world. God’s divine power has enabled truth to rise above different religions, cultures, languages and governments. Let us take heart in our own time and realize that God is with us as we struggle to preach the same saving message today as that preached nearly 2000 years ago. What we learn from history can help us face the future with renewed confidence and zeal.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 4, p. 10-11
February 18, 1993