Yes, early Christians impacted the Roman Empire through the daily witness of ordinary believers, not large campaigns.
Les Feldick teaches that the Gospel spread as Roman soldiers and common believers carried their testimony wherever they went. Paul's house arrest in Rome became a hub where guards heard the Gospel and then took it to the far reaches of the empire. This personal, everyday witness turned the known world 'upside down, inside out' without any mass evangelistic events.
Acts 17:6 — This verse notes that early believers 'turned the world upside down,' matching Les's description of their impact.
The New Testament records that early believers were known for their bold witness. In Acts 17:6, opponents said, 'These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.' Paul wrote in Romans 1:8 that the faith of the Roman believers was 'spoken of throughout the whole world.' In Titus 2:11, he declared 'the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,' indicating the Gospel had spread widely by that time. These verses show that the message reached far without modern communication.
Les Feldick explains that the Gospel spread through the personal witness of everyday believers, especially Roman soldiers who came into contact with Paul. He emphasizes that Paul's house arrest in Rome allowed soldiers to hear the Gospel, and as they rotated to other posts, they carried the message to the far reaches of the empire. This ordinary means—without mass campaigns—turned the Roman Empire 'upside down, inside out' because believers were 'never ashamed of the Gospel.' Les also notes that this was God's plan, using one man like Paul to establish churches that then multiplied.
Les Feldick teaches that Roman soldiers who guarded Paul under house arrest were transformed by hearing the Gospel. As they were rotated to different posts across the empire—even to Caesar's palace—they took the Gospel with them. This personal testimony reached the 'whole then known world' within Paul's lifetime.
Les emphasizes that every believer, regardless of education, was a living testimony. The church's role was to feed and teach believers so they could be soul winners in their daily settings. This widespread personal witness, not large campaigns, turned the empire upside down.
Les Feldick notes that Romans respected ancient religions, including Judaism, but sought to stamp out Christianity because it was new. The rapid spread of personal testimony made it a threat, prompting opposition from both pagan authorities and Satan.
Gifted Men Equip the Church
Les explains that apostles and prophets faded away, leaving evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers for ministry.
Roman Guards Carry the Gospel
Les shows how Roman soldiers who guarded Paul became believers and spread the Gospel as they were rotated throughout the empire.
Personal Testimony Turns the World
Les teaches that believers' personal witness, being never ashamed of the Gospel, turned the known world upside down.
Paul's Guards Take Gospel to the Ends
Les explains that Roman GIs who heard Paul took the Gospel to India, Spain, and beyond, fulfilling Titus 2:11.
Faith Spread to Whole World
Les notes that Roman believers' faith was spoken of throughout the world, showing how quickly the Gospel spread without modern media.
No Radio or TV Needed
Les addresses how the Gospel covered the Roman Empire without technology, relying on rotated soldiers and personal witness.
Paul's Perseverance Established Churches
Les marvels that one man, Paul, despite hardships, established churches—showing the power of personal perseverance.
Roman Opposition to New Religion
Les explains why Rome protected Judaism but tried to stamp out Christianity, highlighting the threat of its rapid spread.
Acts 17:6: And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
This verse is used to show the early believers' reputation for impacting the world through their witness.
Romans 1:8: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Paul acknowledges the Roman believers' faith was widely known, indicating the Gospel's spread.
Titus 2:11: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
This verse supports the claim that the Gospel had reached all men in the known world, as Les teaches.
No. According to Les Feldick, they did not. The Gospel spread through the personal witness of ordinary believers, especially Roman soldiers who heard Paul and carried the message as they traveled.
Les explains that Paul's house arrest in Rome allowed him to share the Gospel with Roman guards. These guards, as they rotated to other posts, took the message throughout the empire.
Les attributes it to the mobility of the Roman military and the faithfulness of believers who shared their testimony wherever they went, making the Gospel known to the whole then-known world.
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