thisenddown (mini)

All the roads of Asia converged on Ephesus, and all the
inhabitants of Asia visited Ephesus from time to time, to
buy or sell, visit a relative, frequent the baths, attend
the games in the stadium, watch a drama in the theatre, or
worship the goddess. And while they were in Ephesus, they
heard of this Christian lecturer named Paul, who was both
speaking and answering questions for five hours in the
middle of every day. Evidently many dropped in, listened
and were converted. They then returned to their towns and
villages as born-again believers. Thus the gospel must
have spread to the Lycus valley and to its chief towns
Colosse, Laodicea and Hierapolis, which Epaphras had
visited but Paul had not, and perhaps to the remaining five
of the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3, namely Smyrna,
Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis and Philadelphia. This is a
fine strategy for the great university and capital cities
of the world. If the gospel is reasonably, systematically
and thoroughly unfolded in the city centre, visitors will
hear it, embrace it and take it back with them to their
homes.

When we contrast much contemporary evangelism with
Paul’s, its shallowness is immediately shown up. Our
evangelism tends to be too ecclesiastical (inviting people
to church), whereas Paul also took the gospel out into the
secular world; too emotional (appeals for decision without
an adequate basis of understanding), whereas Paul taught,
reasoned and tried to persuade; and too superficial (making
brief encounters and expecting quick results), whereas Paul
stayed in Corinth and Ephesus for five years, faithfully
sowing gospel seed and in due time reaping a harvest.