Evangelism Methods of New Testament Churches: Limited but Effective!

Evangelism Methods of New Testament

Churches:

Limited but

Effective!

Attractions in 1st Century Greco-Roman Culture

Facilities for recreation (Acts 19:29; 28:15)

Theaters, baths & games

Attractions in 1st Century Greco-Roman Culture

Social Welfare

Attractions in 1st Century Greco-Roman Culture

“Ancient Rome was the wellspring for many modern government programs, including measures that subsidized food, education and other expenses for the needy. These entitlement programs date back to 122 B.C., when… Rome’s government [began] to supply its citizens with allotments of cheaply priced grain. This early form of welfare continued under Trajan, who implemented a program known as “alimenta” to help feed, clothe and educate orphans and poor children. Other items including corn, oil, wine, bread and pork were eventually added to the list of price-controlled goods…These generous handouts helped Roman emperors win favor with the public, but some historians have argued that they also contributed to Rome’s economic decline.” (History.com)

Holidays and Festivals

Attractions in 1st Century Greco-Roman Culture

Evangelism Methods of New Testament ChurchesWere culturally limited:• No recreational facilities built with church funds• No church-sponsored drama productions• No church-sponsored recreation or sports• No church-sponsored welfare for the general public

(Acts 2:44-45; 4:32, 34-35; 11:28-30; Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthian 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8-9)• No church-sponsored banquets (1 Corinthians 11:34)

Evangelism Methods of New Testament ChurchesEmphasized sharing the gospel and personal example• In Jerusalem (Acts 4:31; 5:42)• In Antioch (Acts 11:19-20; 22-23)• In Thessalonica (Acts 17:2-3; 1 Thess. 1:7)

Evangelism Methods of New Testament ChurchesWere VERY EFFECTIVE!!!• In Jerusalem (Acts 5:14; 6:1)• In Antioch (Acts 11:21, 24, 26)• In Thessalonica (Acts 17:4)

Let us “shine as lights in the world, holding fast the

word of life…” (Philippians 2:15-16)