Quote:
Originally Posted by 2020Vision
The Book of Acts records persecution. Paul himself was involved in this persecution, coming from the Jews at this point, and not Roman authority. Also, my point, PoMo, is that the world in the First Century church was different than today. Democracy didn't exist. Financial blessing, as we have it now, was non-existent. One could not build a huge ampitheater at that time because of 1) money, and 2) the world had fabled ideas about who the Christians were. Cesar Augusta and Nero's historical records show this.
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There was some minor persecution from Jews, but nothing systemic and empire wide for awhile. The local stuff isn't relevant in comparison to what came later when the Romans got upset. But, the church flourished the most under persecution.
True, the general public had pretty strange perceptions of the church; they thought they were anti-community, cannibals, a secret society, and other things. They sure did do things differently than we do today in the Western world. They seemed much more underground and less 'evangelistic' as we understand it. I think they let their actions speak louder than their words. There is some evidence now that they did have buildings dedicated to worship fairly early, but they weren't as prevalent then as now. And houses that were remodeled into large group gathering halls have been found there. But it was mainly small groups. Nothing like we have now that's for sure. Are we as apostolic as a Restorationist would like? haha.
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