Volume 15: A Clash of Kingdoms
Like the Roman Empire, today’s governments or organizations can become centered on power and believe their messages are the “good news.” As Christians, we’re called to proclaim God’s name in all the earth (1 Chronicles 16:8), but how do we to do that in the midst of false gospels?
In this fifteenth volume of That The World May Know®, discover how Paul communicated the Good News of Christ to Philippi, a Roman colony that worshipped false gods. Can you live the message as Paul did while he encouraged the church in Philippi to consider itself a colony of heaven, not Rome? Consider your citizenship— and the message you convey to the world—as Ray Vander Laan takes you deeper into the culture of ancient Philippi.
Experience the Bible in historical context as you walk in the footsteps of the second missionary tour of the Apostle Paul in Greece -- in locations like Philippi, Thessaloniki, and Delphi.
01. The Gospel of Caesar
Followers of Jesus believe that the Bible contains the inspired revelation of the Creator of the universe. “Gospel” is the word that’s often used – the good news that God is redeeming a broken world through His Son, Jesus. In the time of the Apostle Paul, the Roman emperors had a gospel, too. Caesar’s good news promised peace and prosperity to those who would bow down to him. What kind of a culture would Paul encounter when he brought the gospel of Jesus outside of the Jewish world? Join Paul as he enters the city of Philippi, a Roman colony.
Scripture References: Acts 16:1-99, Philippians 2:1-99
Locations: Gerasa (Jerash), Jordan, Philippi, Greece
02. The Believers
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03. The Powers of Darkness
Jesus came with a unique message, preaching to the Jewish people that “the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17). But from the beginning, there was another king who hates the shalom that God creates and loves life’s chaos and brokenness. Jesus had amazing compassion on those who were under the control of this evil one. While some would have shunned them, Jesus seemed to seek these people out, teaching His disciples to do the same. Many years after Jesus’ ascension, the Apostle Paul would meet a young girl who was also under the control of the evil one. Follow Paul through the city of Philippi and see what happens with the power of God confronts the powers of darkness.
04. The Philippian Jailer
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05. Confronting the Empire
Paul’s missionary journeys were generally marked by conflict. Sometimes, his message clashed with the Jews, who were often skeptical about Jesus or jealous of Paul’s success. Even more often, Paul’s teaching angered the governing rulers of a city, who recognized that the gospel he was preaching directly undermined the authority of Caesar. When they were released from prison in Philippi, Paul and Silas made their way to Thessaloniki, the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia and a leading city in championing the worship of the Roman emperor. How will the Thessalonians react to Paul’s message that King of kings and the Savior of the world is not Caesar, but Jesus?
Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Acts 17:1-99, Ephesians 6:14-18, Matthew 5:14-16
Locations: Philippi, Greece, Thessaloniki