Bridgetown Audio Podcast Part 8: Preaching a Disruptive Gospel
Sep 6, 2021
The podcast dives into the chaos sparked by a riot in Ephesus against Paul's teachings. It discusses the challenges of preaching Christianity in secular environments, drawing parallels with modern New York City. Tensions between Artemis worship and emerging Christianity are explored, focusing on economic impacts. The boldness of early Christians in a pluralistic society is examined, along with the delicate balance between religious exclusivity and inclusivity. Finally, it highlights the need for believers to actively share their disruptive faith amidst societal challenges.
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Gospel Creates Inevitable Public Conflict
- The gospel inevitably creates public conflict when taken seriously because it challenges cultural systems and idols.
- Paul’s three-year ministry in Ephesus shows revival plus opposition often arrive together and reshape society.
Discipleship School Sparked Public Repentance
- Paul’s discipleship school produced extraordinary miracles and public renunciation of occult practices.
- People publicly burned their witchcraft items after failed exorcisms by unqualified men.
Idols Are Civic And Economic Powers
- Artemis dominated Ephesus socially, economically, and politically as a civic idol with global reach.
- Attacking such an idol threatened livelihoods and the city’s identity, which explains the violent civic response.