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: ''Christians in the ancient world knew what it was to have accusations and ridicule directed at them for their religious convictions and practices. The report of Jesus' resurrection was taken as an idle tale ([[Luke 24:11]]), a lie ([[Matthew 28:13]],[[Matthew 28:14|14]],[[Matthew 28:15|15]]) and an impossibility ([[Acts 26:8]]). For preaching it, believers were arrest by the Jews ([[Acts 4:20]]-[[Acts 4:23|23]]) and mocked by the Greek philosophers ([[Acts 17:32]]). On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were accused of being drunk ([[Acts 2:13]]). Stephen was accused of opposing previous revelation ([[Acts 6:11]]-[[Acts 6:14|14]]). Paul was accused of introducing new gods ([[Acts 17:18]],[[Acts 17:19|19]],[[Acts 17:20|20]]). The church was accused of political insurrection ([[Acts 17:6]],[[Acts 17:7|7]]). Experts openly contradicted what the Christians taught ([[Acts 13:45]]) and prejudicially vilified their persons ([[Acts 14:2]]). So, on the one hand, the Christian message a stumbling block to the Jews and utter foolishness to Greek ([[1 Corinthians 1:23]]). On the other hand, the early Chrisitians had to guard against the wrong kind of positive acceptance of what they proclaimed. The apostles were confused for gods by advocated of pagan religion ([[Acts 14:11]],[[Acts 14:12|12]],[[Acts 14:13|13]]), given unwelcome commendation by sooth-sayers ([[Acts 16:16]],[[Acts 16:17|17]],[[Acts 16:18|18]]) and had their message absorbed by heretical legalists ([[Acts 15:1]],[[Acts 15:5|5]]). 21{{Super|st}} 21st century believers can sympathize with their brothers in the ancient world. Our Christian faith continues to see the same variety of attempts to oppose and undermine it.''