Page 143 - Advanced Biblical Backgrounds Revised
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politicians, witch doctors, and false teachers today. Expect opposition from those who the message of
Christ will undermine.
The Imperial Cult:
Some have said that observing the seasons and feasts in Galatians and Colossians is not talking about
Jewish feasts and rituals but rather the Imperia Cult or a local deity. This is a possibility, if not probable,
for multiple reasons. First, the audience Paul is reaching is both Jews and Gentiles. Second, the culture
they were located in was Roman ruled and Hellenistic. The major feasts and festivals would not have
been Jewish. It would have been related to the imperial cult or a local deity. Third, the backlash received
in these Gentile cities was often for not taking part in or undermining their established religious
worship.
Miracles as confirmation of divine approval:
In the time of the early church, the approval of the gods was sought through displays of power. Paul
displayed the power of the Holy Spirit in this way on multiple occasions. In Cyprus, he temporarily
blinded a sorcerer, and the proconsul believed. In Asia Minor, this was the case as well. Luke tells us in
Acts 14:3 that many signs confirmed their message in Iconium. This continued in the city of Lystra; Paul
and Barnabas were considered human forms of Zeus and Hermes because they were seen healing a man
known to be lame from birth (Acts 14:12). 195 God used these powerful displays to open people’s hearts
and minds to the Gospel about Jesus.
The History of Christianity in 5 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlogMDTYeA4
Let’s Practice…
1. Where were the two cities named Antioch located?
2. In which one of these cities were the disciples first called Christians?
3. What country is this Asia Minor located in today?
4. How many seas border Asia Minor, and what are their names?
5. What was the name of the Proconsul Paul converted whose name we have found in archeological
digs?
195 Bruce, F. F. Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Paternoster Press, 2000. 169.
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