Last Update 01/17/08

The Gospels are replete with stories of the politico-religious government of Israel trying to kill Jesus. Their primary goal was to kill Jesus to save Israel. They thought that Rome would come and destroy the Jewish leaders and their nation if the people believed in Jesus. Remember, when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey for Passover, the people cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel! (see John 12:15; 18:37; 19:3). So, they decided it would be better to sacrifice one man instead of losing the entire nation. In addition, they believed that by killing Jesus all the children of God would be brought back together and they would be made one (see John 11:47-53; John 12:13,14). They constantly brought charges of demon-possession and blasphemy against Him. But, the rulers of Israel were not permitted to kill anyone, regardless of how they violated Jewish Law (see John 18:31). So, they enlisted Imperial Rome to crucify Jesus: "But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. But the governor said to them, 'Which of the two do you want me to release for you?' And they said, "Barabbas." Pilate *said to them, 'Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?' They all *said, 'Crucify Him!'" (Matthew 27:20-22).

The protectors of Judaism did not realize Christ's death was part of God's plan all along, so, they had Jesus killed. However, their lethal victory was short lived. Jesus rose from the dead only three days later. He pulled His disciples together and taught them for 40 days, in preparation for God's next planned event - the launch of Christianity.

Truth Becomes Lie

After Jesus' disciples received power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they burst forth from their upper room and began speaking to those passing by on the street. There were those in the crowd that mocked them saying, "They are full of sweet wine" (Acts 2:13). With this simple statement the world, the flesh, and the devil began thousands of years of corruption and persecution of Christianity.

As the apostles gathered funds for supporting the common good of the Christianity community, Satan convinces "so-called" Christians to lie about their financial gifts (see Acts 5). They died.

Peter and John were arrested and put in jail for teaching that in Jesus is the resurrection of the dead (see Acts 4:2).

Peter and John were summoned to the Council, they were commanded not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus (see Acts 4:18).

Once again, Peter and other apostles were arrested and were eventually flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus.

In Acts 6, we learn that the Synagogue of the Freedmen bribed false witnesses to bare testimony against Stephen, they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and they brought him before the council. After Stephen presented his defense, they gnashed their teeth, cried out with a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon Stephen. Then, they drove him out of the city and stoned him to death. A great persecution began that day.

Many other passages in the New Testament record the conflicts between Christians and other religions (see Acts 19:27; 24:1).

There was the infiltration of evil workers into the Christian community teaching lies and worldly philosophies and wisdom (see 1 Cor. 3:19; Col. 2:8)

There were those who were persuading some to forsake the simplicity of Jesus Christ (see 2 Cor. 11:3).

Even some Christians took center stage and appealed to the Christians to take sides: to follow a man instead of Jesus, thereby dividing the Christian assemblies (see 1 Cor. 3:4).

Before the 1st Century was closed, there were Christians who became full of themselves and their desire for power and prestige that motivated them to form alliances with Imperial Rome and drove them to take control over the fledgling Christian assemblies.

So began the corruption of Christianity.

So began the establishment of what would later become known as the CHURCH.

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