The early church started during the Roman Empire. This was a huge cultural shift because Christianity taught that all believers—whether free or slaves, from any race or background—were equal in Christ (Galatians 3:26–29, NKJV: “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”).
The early Church as described in the book of Acts by the apostle, Paul, was a very different one from the one that prevails today. Let us look at five ways in which the early church was different from the church of today.
1. Multi-cultural
The early church was made up of people from many races and cultures. The church in Antioch, mentioned in Acts 13, is a good example of this diversity: “Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen… and Saul” (Acts 13:1, NKJV). Despite their differences, they lived and worked together peacefully. Ephesians 2:14 (NKJV) says, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.”
2. Forgiveness and Unity
The early church faced serious persecution. Yet, they practiced forgiveness and chose not to fight back. They did not speak against the authorities or take revenge, even after being beaten or killed. Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44 (NKJV): “But I say to you, love your enemies… and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” The early church’s unity and strength during hard times showed their true faith.
3. Hospitable
Early Christians treated each other like family. They helped fellow believers from different backgrounds and cared for the sick and suffering. This kind of care reflected the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37, NKJV), which teaches love for all. Romans 12:13 (NKJV) says, “distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”
4. Protecting Life
The early Christians valued life. They did not support abortion or abandoning babies, which was common then. Instead, they took in unwanted children and raised them. This care for life is seen in Psalm 127:3 (NKJV): “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.”
5. Strong Values
During the Roman Empire, married women were expected to be faithful, but men often had affairs with lower-status women like slaves or prostitutes. The early church taught that all sex outside of marriage was wrong. Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV) says, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
What an exemplary leadership and behavior shown by the early church to their members, the rulers of the Roman empire, and to the world at large. Can the church of today practice this blameless behavior today? We need to introspect and change ourselves first, before we point fingers at others.