One cannot help but be impressed and encouraged to read of the fervor and commitment of the early church in the book of Acts. Why, even Paul, Silas and their counterparts were labeled by some of the evil men of the marketplace in Acts 17:6 as “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.”

What a great way to be known! This did not happen because of a careless fanatical rebellion of thoughtless acts, but rather came about as the result of men and women being converted to the ways of Jesus Christ. While many people begged to hear (Acts 14:42) the Gospel, proclaimers

of the message faced many hardships such as physical beatings and public disgrace. But what would be expected as the world’s system was “turned upside down”?

It would be hard to verify the effectiveness of the delivery of the Gospel in America (or many cultures for that matter) by observing the response to the message. We as 21st century Christians nearly abhor anyone that will stir the waters let alone turn the world upside down. Yet, that is what happened oftentimes when the first century Christians preached and lived the Gospel. We as modern day Christians have taken a “pride” in how our means have brought together so many, but in reality, has changed so few. We believe that because we are so similar to the world, we have been successful in our position, presentation, and proclamation of the message of God’s Word. In truthfulness however, if we have lived out our position in Christ and presented the life-changing transformation, our proclamation of the message will have much the same effect as Paul and the early church members. It will turn the world upside down.

It is conceivable that many of us are fearful of being part of such an activity, because we perceive that the happenings around us are normal and we should “leave well enough, alone.” However, in Bible study and prayer, we will see that the “well enough” of this present world’s darkness is in stark contrast to the Light of God’s ways.

Each one of us as followers of Jesus, must examine our motives as well as our motivator in our daily walk. I must say that I am challenged as I read the fifth book of the New Testament entitled, The Acts of the Apostles. I am encouraged by how they acted upon the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I am amazed at their response to persecution. I am excited by their willingness to accept the challenge and hope of sharing the Good News of Jesus with lost sinners. I find myself desiring to be an effective instrument in spreading of the message that turns the world upside down. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to read an account of the Acts of 21st Century Christians that would be without compromise to the first book of Acts?