The rise of Christianity in the ancient world was like wildfire. It spread from Jerusalem to all of the major cities of the ancient world. From there it spread into towns and villages. Christianity was contagious because the Spirit of Christ blessed the faithfulness of the ministry and the parishioners who were faithful in living out and speaking out on behalf of Jesus Christ.
Turtullian wrote in 200AD The Apology. In that work he said of the rise of Christianity, "We are but of yesterday, and we have filled every place among you- cities, islands, fortresses, towns, marketplaces, the very camp, tribes, companies, palace, senate, forum- we have left nothing to you but the temples of your gods!"
What makes the Christianity of the first century a wildfire through-out the ancient world? Maybe the passion for the truth and the faithfulness amongst persecution were blessed by the Spirit. Maybe our lazy, ineffective Christianity needs to learn something from those who went to lions, were burned on posts, and were beheaded for Christ's sake. Maybe we don't need another Reformation; maybe we just need to live like it really matters.
Maybe then our Christianity will "fill every place" among our culture as well. But would really want to see that?
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