At the end of World War II Langdon Gilkey wrote a book entitled Shantung Compound. Gilkey, along with 2,000 other “Westerners” was interned by their Japanese captors at a Presbyterian encampment in the Chinese province of Shantung. The camp was not designed to handle this many internees, but it was Gilkey’s assignment to allocate living accommodations for all of the internees. This presented a monumental challenge. It also afforded Gilkey the opportunity to observe his fellow-internees behavior under pressure. His book describes how people changed (sometimes for the good; often otherwise) when under duress.
As I recall, Gilkey described a situation where there were two identical rooms. One of the rooms had 11 occupants, the other 13. Sounds like a “no-brainer” does it not? But the arguments given by the residents in the 11-person room (for not adding one more person) were incredible. In another instance, there was one accommodation which had two bedrooms. A pastor insisted that he and his wife should have this accommodation so that he could have a study, instead of allowing a family with several children to live there.
It is beginning to look and feel like Shantung Compound in the United States and elsewhere, thanks to the COVID-19 Pandemic. There are a good number of people who are insisting on exercising freedoms they formerly enjoyed, even though doing so might be detrimental to others. Even some Christians are voicing this “Don’t hinder me from exercising my rights” point of view. The Bible challenges such thinking.
It is a good time to review a couple of biblical passages and review the Christian mindset, and how it should impact our lives in this “Shantung” moment. Let’s begin by considering Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, focusing particularly on chapters 8-10.
The issue at hand is “meats offered to idols.” As I understand the text, the issue really isn’t over the meat itself (see 1 Corinthians 10:27), as much as it is over participating in the idol-worship ceremony where this meat is sacrificed, and the meal is shared with the “worshippers” (see 1 Corinthians 10:18-22). There were those who had come up with a seemingly scholarly argument which allowed them to eat idol-meats. In chapter 8, verses 4-6, some reasoned in this way: “There really is only one true God (our God), and thus idols are meaningless, since they represent ‘gods’ who do not even exist. And since idol-worship is really not the worship of any god, it is of no consequence. Thus, attending idol-sacrifice meals is permissible, including the eating of the animal sacrifices offered there.”
Paul does not immediately reject this argument (which he will do later, in chapter 10, and which has already been decided at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:20, 29). He first argues that even if this were a legitimate option, there are those for whom doing so would be sin. And if one’s eating meats offered to idols encouraged one who thought this wrong to do so anyway (because others did so), then causing that brother to sin would be sin on our part as well (1 Corinthians 8:7-13).
Paul sets out to demonstrate the proper Christian attitude toward the exercise of one’s liberties by using himself and Barnabas as examples. He and Barnabas, as apostles, had the legitimate and biblical right to be supported in their ministry – which assumed income enough to lead about a wife (1 Corinthians 9:1ff.). This was a right exercised by the other apostles (9:4-5). It was a right that had both the Old and New Testaments support (9:7-12). There was no question as to whether being supported was a right that Paul and Barnabas could legitimately exercise.
And yet they chose not to accept (or ask for) financial support, for the sake of the gospel, and those who might embrace it for salvation.
15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing these things so that something will be done for me. In fact, it would be better for me to die than– no one will deprive me of my reason for boasting! 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason for boasting, because I am compelled to do this. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward. But if I do it unwillingly, I am entrusted with a responsibility. 18 What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel I may offer the gospel free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights in the gospel. 19 For since I am free from all I can make myself a slave to all, in order to gain even more people. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew to gain the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) to gain those under the law. 21 To those free from the law I became like one free from the law (though I am not free from God’s law but under the law of Christ) to gain those free from the law. 22 To the weak I became weak in order to gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that by all means I may save some. 23 I do all these things because of the gospel, so that I can be a participant in it (1 Corinthians 9:15-23).
Paul’s reasoning is simple and easy to follow. There are a good number of folks who preach for the sake of selfish gain (see Acts 8:9-23; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11). Unbelievers observe them (as some might observe some televangelists today) and conclude that all Christian ministers must only be in it for the money. Thus, being supported financially can be a hindrance to the gospel. And so, to remove this hindrance (or at least minimize it) Paul supported himself. Indeed, Paul worked with his own hands to support himself and others (Acts 18:1-4; 20:34*; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:9), for the sake of the gospel. How could anyone accuse Paul of being motivated by financial gain, when his ministry was a financial sacrifice?
This right to be financially supported was legitimate and consistent with the practice of Old Testament ministers and New Testament apostles. Nevertheless, Paul set this right aside for the sake of the gospel and the sake of those who would be saved through it. Did it make life and ministry more difficult for Paul? Yes, but Paul was convinced that it was worth the sacrifice. I believe that this statement by Paul sums it up,
“All things are lawful for me”– but not everything is beneficial. “All things are lawful for me”– but I will not be controlled by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12; see also 10:23).
The Christian life necessitates giving up certain rights and liberties for the benefit of others, albeit at our expense. Jesus would call this, “taking up our cross.”
4 Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. 5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, 6 who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. 8 He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death– even death on a cross! 9 As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow– in heaven and on earth and under the earth– 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:4-11, emphasis mine).
Things were not going “smoothly” for Paul, or for the Philippians:
29 For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are encountering the same conflict that you saw me face and now hear that I am facing (Philippians 1:29-30, emphasis mine).
Some of the Philippian saints were at odds with their fellow-believers (see Philippians 4:2-3). Paul’s call to unity is based upon the practice of humility – putting the interests of others above our own desires. The supreme example is that of our Lord Jesus, His incarnation, and sacrificial death for sinners.
At Shantung Compound, and in many parts of the world today, people are seeking their own interests and demanding their “rights,” in spite of what the impact it may have on others. In Philippians chapter 2 Paul will go on to show how humility works itself out in terms of ministry to others. Timothy, unlike many others, put the interests of the Philippian saints above his own, and thus Paul will send him, with the commendation that he is a man who in genuinely concerned about their welfare (2:19-20). Epaphroditus, too, was a man who modeled humility. He put his own life at risk by going to minister to Paul’s needs (2:25-30). And then there is Paul, who out of concern for the saints, sent away the two men who would most have benefitted him, if he had kept them with him to minister to his needs.
In these days when personal sacrifice is desperately needed, let us carefully consider what rights we can and should set aside for the good of others, and for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
In 2020 during the pandemic associated with the coronavirus, Covid-19, there has been much talk about social distancing. One might not immediately conclude that Paul was an example of “social distancing.” But the truth is, Paul spent a good deal of his time separated and isolated from others. Some of this was imposed on him by others, and some was self-imposed. Let’s think about that for just a moment.
There were those who sought to rid Paul from his existence on earth (not unlike he once sought to rid the world of Christians – Acts 22:1-5; 1 Timothy 1:12-15). They ran Paul out of town on various occasions (see Acts 14:50; 17:13-14). They nearly tore him apart in Jerusalem (Acts 22:22-23), plotted to kill him (Acts 23:12-15), and thought they had done so in Lystra (Acts 14:19). False accusations and governmental appeasement ultimately led to Paul’s imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:17ff.) This is not to overlook his imprisonment in Philippi (Acts 16:16ff.) and Caesarea (Acts 23:29ff.). Legal action was taken against Paul in an effort to deprive him of his rights and protections as a Roman citizen (Acts 18:12-17). To this we could add a list of other adversities which Paul suffered (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). It should also be noted that Satan, too, hindered Paul from visiting the churches (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18).
Beyond these hindrances to social interaction, there was also what we might call Paul’s “self-imposed” separation. Paul did not usually (the exceptions would be Ephesus and Corinth) spend long in any one place because he desired to preach the gospel elsewhere, particularly where it had not yet been preached (Romans 15:18-21). He kept moving on, even when encouraged to stay (Acts 18:19-21).
Paul’s ministry was international, and because of his concern for the churches (some of which he had founded, and others which others founded) he would press on so that he could minister his gifts to many face-to-face (Colossians 2:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 2:17; 3:10). Part of Paul’s “separation” from believers was out of his concern that he might not become overly dominant, and that the gifts and ministries of others might be encouraged. Thus, Paul sent out team members like Timothy and Titus, to minister on his behalf.
With all this in mind, let us agree that Paul experienced his own version of “social distancing,” and this for much of his life – far more than you and I will endure during this pandemic. But the important thing for us to notice is that this did not hinder his ministry to others; indeed it enhanced it:
12 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel: 13 The whole imperial guard and everyone else knows that I am in prison for the sake of Christ, 14 and most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more than ever dare to speak the word fearlessly (Philippians 1:12-14, NET).
With all the restrictions on Paul’s social interaction, no one has had a greater impact on the saints for the last 2,000 years than he. The explanation, put simply, is this: Paul’s priorities were those of his fellow apostles:
3 But carefully select from among you, brothers, seven men who are well-attested, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this necessary task. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:3-4, emphasis mine).
These priorities – prayer and the ministry of the Word – have not changed over time.
The means and mechanisms by which they are carried out will, and should, change. When confined to a prison cell, Paul’s priorities were prayer and the ministry of the Word. Evangelism took place wherever Paul was, including prison (Acts 16:23-40; Philippians 4:21-23; Philemon 1:10-11). And to these new believers and fledgling churches Paul was constantly writing (at least three letters to the Corinthians – see 1 Corinthians 5:9), expounding correct doctrine (Romans), exposing false doctrine (Galatians) and ungodly living (1 Corinthians). Paul’s prayer life puts most of ours to shame. Paul knew what was going on in the churches, he knew their struggles, trials, and temptations. He knew the saints and their small group gatherings, even in churches he had never yet visited (see Romans 16). He asked for prayers for himself (Romans 15:30-33; Ephesians 6:19-20). And beyond this, Paul sent others to learn how the saints were doing (2 Corinthians 7:4-16; 8:6-24).
Paul’s ministry was not limited by his “social distancing,” it was greatly enhanced by it, for we now hold his teaching, exhortation, warnings, and prayer in our hands, as has the church for 2,000 years. And this Paul accomplished by his commitment to “prayer and the ministry of the Word.” Yet he did not have Christian publishers and bookstores, newspapers, radio, television, the internet, or Facebook and Twitter. Mail took days, at best, and months at worst. Communication was not easy in Paul’s day.
With all the “social media” we have at our disposal, how much greater are our opportunities and responsibilities. Like Paul, let us make use of our “social distancing” to the glory of God and the good of His people. We are, in Paul’s words (somewhat ill-used) “without excuse.”
When I read the Book of Acts and attempt to explain the rapid growth of the church the closest analogy I can think of is the current spread of the Covid-19 virus.
I know of a missionary who has been privileged to play a significant role in the explosive expansion of the gospel in a distant land. Because he has witnessed amazing success in evangelism, a number of mission agencies have asked him to come and share the secret to his success. He refuses to take any credit for what he knows is a powerful manifestation of God’s saving grace. Because of his experience, he has come to a whole new way of looking at the Book of Acts. He does not see the great number of conversions to the faith in Acts as the outcome of a strategic plan and program, planned, and executed by the apostles who led the charge. Instead, he sees it as a great and mighty work of God, with the apostles trying to keep up with what God was doing. Now, as I read the Book of Acts, I tend to see it the same way.
Think about this for a moment. At Pentecost thousands suddenly came to faith. Even though the Holy Spirit had given birth to a flourishing church in Jerusalem, the apostles did not form a missions committee to strategize how they would reach the rest of the world for Jesus. That was, after all, the command which our Lord had given them:
Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20, NET).
The expansion of the church was not initiated by a missions committee or a missions conference. It was brought about by the persecution of the church, triggered by the death of Stephen (Acts 6:8—8:1; 11:19-21). Most of the church scattered abroad, with the apostles staying behind in Jerusalem (8:1). It was not the apostles who initiated the evangelistic thrust among the Gentiles, but some unknown and unnamed individuals who didn’t know how to keep the gospel to themselves:
19 Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message to no one but Jews. 20 But there were some men from Cyprus and Cyrene among them who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks too, proclaiming the good news of the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord (Acts 11:19-21, emphasis mine).
The distressing fact is that the original 11 apostles were not aggressive in taking the gospel to the Gentiles. In fact, they drug their feet in this matter. Peter was reluctant to go to the home of Cornelius (Acts 10:9-16), but when he did and the Gentiles there came to faith, his fellow-apostles called him on the carpet for going:
1 Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles too had accepted the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers took issue with him, 3 saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and shared a meal with them” (Acts 11:1-3).
Even though Peter’s explanation was compelling, and his fellow-apostles had to recognize that God had chosen to save Gentiles, as well as Jews, their profession and their practice were not consistent:
When they heard this, they ceased their objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted the repentance that leads to life even to the Gentiles” (Acts 11:18).
It was Paul, and men like Barnabas and Silas, Timothy, and Luke who became the frontrunners in taking the gospel to the Gentiles.
So, what does all this have to do with Covid-19 and evangelism? Simply this. Think of how the Covid-19 virus is being spread today. People do not deliberately go out, seeking to spread the virus to many others. They simply go about their lives as usual, and when they come into contact with others, the virus is unknowingly spread abroad. There are no classes, teaching people how to spread the virus. This is no need for them. The virus has a life of its own, and is spread by social contact as people go about their lives as normal.
Ideally – and certainly as we see it in the Book of Acts – the gospel was quickly spread abroad by people who went about, living their lives in contact with other people. These saints did not begrudgingly spread the gospel, nor was their evangelism the execution of a particular plan or script. (Mind you, I’m not saying that these methodologies and strategies are wrong, but they are not ideal, in my opinion.) I believe that Christians went about, filled with the Holy Spirit, and living in joyful fellowship with other believers. Their joy simply overflowed, and because their new-found salvation was so life-transforming they just couldn’t help but tell others about it. For them, evangelism was the result of the overflow of joy and praise to God that others observed, and “caught.”
44 All who believed were together and held everything in common, 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need. 46 Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, 47 praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved (Acts 2:44-47).
The joy-filled faith of new believers overflowed in unity, and in generosity toward those in need:
32 The group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but everything was held in common. 33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. 34 For there was no one needy among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds from the sales 35 and placing them at the apostles’ feet. The proceeds were distributed to each, as anyone had need (Acts 4:32-35).
It is now common to hear or read of some video that has “gone viral.” I believe that the gospel went viral in the Book of Acts. And I pray that the gospel will once again go viral, making a global impact, because Spirit-filled Christians cannot be silenced, or their faith concealed. May it be so, to the glory of God and the salvation of many. Will you intentionally be a part of sharing the gospel and helping make disciples of Jesus as God has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20)?