In chapters 13-16 of our text, our author discusses the context and content of the book of Acts. For the forum this week, each student should choose one of the assigned chapters and discuss which concept in that respective chapter helps you understand Acts better.
My Answer:
Chapter 13
Spreading to Europe
Quote #1
"In the two centuries prior to Christ’s coming, Roman influence had slowly but steadily expanded both on the south European mainland and in coastal regions of the Mediterranean. MACEDONIA, where Paul would plant his first church on European soil, came under Roman sway in 168 BC; ACHAIA, where CORINTH was located, in 146 BC; and the province of Asia, whose capital was EPHESUS, in 133 BC."
Quote #2
"Take language. The native Roman language was Latin. Yet the language of culture and commerce was Greek. From Spain, or even Britain, in the west to Syria in the east, a traveler was well advised to brush up on Greek. It was spoken by at least the ruling and trading classes nearly everywhere, while Latin was not. This linguistic uniformity was not just convenient from a trader’s or tourist’s point of view; it was also important for the missionary expansion of the early church."
Basically, Christianity actually spread through all races: "black, white, and Asian." Jewish Christians are from the Near East and are considerably white, while Ephesus of Asia, as the book names, is a part of Turkey, which probably borders white and Asian. Though, today it is considered white because it is in the Middle East.
What helps me understand this whole chapter so far is that it mentions Europe and Asia, which it spread through, Christianity. The world as a whole is not just for "colored" or "tan" flushed people but for all races, as Jesus has dictated, though he was very Jewish and did not speak of the ways of other races, like Asia, who is the most distant. So, I followed along and collected the main ideas and undertones in relation to this. I know chapter 16 mentions Europe, too, I think.
Basically, Rome had a considerably rich culture, probably with things like its Latin scripts. However, the world was mostly Greek in relation to Biblical connected influences maybe. That is why Greek became so big, before. It is glorified seemingly by its rulers, as said in this chapter, even if they were sinners who would today be considered "damned" and so more than others who are lectured into the Christian religion.
I pondered as I wandered and thought Christians being killed in this chapter had something to do with racism involving Europe and maybe Asia. Maybe, it's why Hitler killed the Jews, which I think I read about in one of these chapters. Whites/Asians seemed to believe Jesus was Lord, and when he was crucified the Lord died. However, they may be unconvinced by the outspokenness of the Christian religion. The book affirms Christianity was spited, like Jesus by the officials but without explanation or supposition as to reasons why.
So, Greek was adopted by other cultures, along with its popularity and religion. It may be why people like the angels with the shepherds, found only in the Gospel of Luke. Perhaps, Christianity was unpopular because Greek was already favored, maybe in defense of maybe other cultures taking over with their "magical" powers. The book goes on to explain the unpopularity of Christianity and the success of Greek culture. Think it's also why we celebrate the Olympics.
People were spiritual in Stoicism. They were selfless and tried to "solve their own problems." Cynicism means more headstrong, which sounds like the result of being too Stoic and needing a change for the opposite in the world somehow. Skepticism is like "knowledge seekers" or "thinkers" of the MBTI, in psychology.
I noticed that the New Testament was more "user friendly" for Europeans, whereas the Old Testament was more bloodthirsty and rich in past culture pre-Christ. They recorded their result of conflict in distress as "an eye for an eye" and "a tooth for a tooth." They sacrificed and had more drama like this. The New Testament seems to point to an invitation to Europe, with all its "forgiveness" and "lovey dovey" sentimentality laced in it.
People, like the Jewish Christians, were still celebratory like the Latin Americans on El Dia de los Muertos. Their celebrations weren't foreign but a part of their race. They smiled at the celebration of Jesus, for fulfilling predictions and performing miracles, for speaking about one of the strongest things, love, etc. etc. etc. It was like celebrating your own birthday or an anniversary. It was a part of you, not just something on the calendar you hope answers the rest of your problems.
Christians tried to make their new cultures nicer than Jewish cultures, to entice/invite Europeans, which is what I drew myself. The book says the Jews were in hostile environments, before.
I checked many sources and not much speaks of cultures earlier than the Middle East maybe in Europe.
The book makes the travels of the early Christians sound like "all that." Europe might have common things with early Christians. It is hard to know if Asians are considered accepted. Are Jews excited that Europeans are mixed with Asians, at least some? Is that why they are "boasting" to them? They just don't realize it.
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