Evangelism Methods of
New Testament Churches:
Limited
but
Effective!
Attractions in 1st
Century GrecoRoman Culture
Facilities for recreation
(Acts 19:29; 28:15)
Attractions in 1st
Century Greco-Roman
Culture
Theaters, baths & games
Attractions in 1st
Century Greco-Roman
Culture
Social Welfare
“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)
Attractions in 1st Century
Greco-Roman Culture
Holidays and Festivals
Evangelism Methods of
New Testament Churches
Were 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 Churches
Emphasized 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 Churches
Were 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)