THIS “SECT”

When the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome three years before he arrived, it was nothing like what he had expected when he wrote the letter. He wanted to come with joy and find rest with Christians (Romans 15). But Acts 28 tells how different it turned out. He wanted to appear as a free man preaching in the name of Jesus, but instead he was marched in between soldiers as a prisoner sent for trial. His first act was to call for an interview with the unbelieving Jews of the city (Acts 28:17-19) who said: “We want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.” They set a day and came in great numbers to hear Paul testify about “the kingdom of God … and about Jesus from the law of Moses and the prophets from morning till evening.” Some believed and some disbelieved (Acts 28:23-31). The church has always been called a sect. Paul had earlier sent greetings from “all the churches of Christ” (Rom 16:16). When people believe, repent and are baptized, God adds them to this one church (Acts 2:38-47). Unbelievers today still call the one true church a sect. Ask for booklet on “this sect.”

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