We are living in what seems to be an increasingly fragmented and divided world. Public discourse is rancorous and all too rarely graced with agreement or unity. How do we in the church “shine like stars in the universe” and hold fast to the gospel in our present cultural moment?  The early church faced divisions as well, both in the world and within the church. Empowered by the Gospel and filled with the Holy Spirit, however, the bride of Christ neither cowered nor retreated. Again and again, the good news that Jesus is the Christ was proclaimed, and the word of God spread, not just to a handful of Jews, but to men and women from every conceivable background: rich and poor, slave and free, “foreigners” and natives, the scrupulously religious and the completely pagan.

Right before his crucifixion, Jesus told his followers, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b) The early Christians lived this truth. May our study of their story (which is, of course, a continuation of Jesus’ story) strengthen and embolden us to live out this same truth in our present world with greater zeal, trust, and hope.