To the ends of the earth - Acts 16:16-40 (ESV) - Tim Kroeker
Philippians 1:27
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…”
Becoming a Christian can sometimes invite criticism. A friend might complain you’re no fun anymore. “Ever since you got on that Jesus kick, you don’t come out partying with us on Saturday nights.” A teammate or coworker might suggest you’ve gone soft. “All that turning the other cheek has made you weak.” A family member might accuse you of being self-righteous. “You go to church all the time now, so you think you’re better than the rest of us.” Is this criticism fair? How does the gospel change our behavior?
The Book of Acts describes how the church was born and became a global movement, beginning in Jerusalem, extending to the regions of Judea and Samaria, and then to the ends of the earth. In the previous episode, we read that the expansion of the gospel had finally reached Europe. Paul and his missionary team arrived in Philippi of Macedonia, a Roman colony.
This development presented a serious question important to our author Luke. Was the gospel a threat to the social, economic, and political order of Rome? As we continue to read, we see that the gospel certainly did have an impact. The healing of a demon-possessed slave girl cost her owners a lot of money. Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and thrown into prison, accused of practicing unlawful customs. However, their faith-filled response was inspiring. When given the chance, they did not escape. Because of their witness, the Philippian jailer and his entire family would be saved.
Though the Christian converts had different priorities and different perspectives, they were not dangerous. They would actually become better citizens, not worse. They practiced behavior befitting of the gospel.
