For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering. Acts 19:40
The riot took place in the 1st century city of Ephesus. An idol maker felt the Christians bringing the message of the Gospel threatened his livelihood. He found others like himself, who joined him in protesting Paul and his companions.
What would be the news story had this happened in a modern American city?
Paul would be called an oppressor, a religion basher, intolerant of the beliefs of others, a bigot, and a racist all because of preaching the Gospel.
However, the protestors would have to be guilty of the same exact things. They want to oppress Paul and bash his religion and beliefs. That also makes them intolerant, bigots, and racists too.
Christianity will always put you at odds with a secular world. It is written in Lev 19:17,
You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.
God speaks against hating others. The secular world would agree!
God then speaks about rebuking your neighbor and not partaking in his sin. That rebuke is called “judging” by a secular world.
Here’s the catch – if I am called intolerant and judgmental because of my belief and preaching of the Gospel, then the person that calls me those things is also intolerant and judgmental (of me).
There is no clear compromise. To live and let live is to allow people go die and face the eternal judgment of God. I am not willing to do this. I am “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
