In this daily Bible reading is the account of Paul being held prisoner in Caesarea under the Roman governor, Felix. The Jews hired a lawyer, Tertulus, and went to Caesarea to bring charges against Paul. Their charge was that Paul was ‘a fellow who stirs up dissensions among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ring later of the sect of the Nazarene’s.’ In fact, Paul’s preaching did cause dissension and division among the Jews and threatened their religion.
In a similar manner, true Christianity is threatening to the world’s values today. However, many professed Christian denominations today are not threatening to the world. Why is this? It’s because these Christian denominations do not support the entire Truth of the Bible. They may profess some non-threatening Truths here and there, but they do not stand apart from the world in their doctrines or behavior.
For example, some professed Christian religions allow practicing homosexuals to be priests. Others endorse abortion. Some endorse evolution as God’s method of creation. Others attempt to harmonize with non-Christian religions, questioning the exclusiveness of Jesus Christ being the only way to Salvation. The true Christianity preached by Paul would cause division in these organizations.
Jesus said, “Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on Earth? I tell you, no, but rather division.” Jesus’ words will cause division, even in families. This is especially true in families whose religion does not believe Jesus is the Messiah. Believers in those families will likely be ostracized.
