The Birth of the Christian ChurchSample

Paul’s missionary work to the Jews and the Gentiles dramatically affected the cities he visited. At the very least, his preaching was a message people were curious about. Many people from all walks of life were coming to faith in Christ as their Messiah, Lord, and Savior. The church's growth escalated the attacks from the Jewish leaders, and Paul was the target of their anger and jealousy. Because of the persecution, Paul changes his tactics somewhat, and the Church continues to grow.

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:18–20)