Periods Of Peace And Tolerance

The preaching activity has also benefited from periods of relative peace. Though Jesus accurately foretold that in the times involved 'nation would rise against nation,' there were intervals of stability that made possible intense Kingdom preaching . (Matthew 24:7) First-century Christians lived under the Pax Romana or Roman peace. One historian wrote: "Rome had so completely subjugated the peoples of the mediterranean world that she ended for them ages of almost constant war." This stability opened the way for early Christians to travel in relative safety throughout the Roman world.

The Roman Empire strove to unite people under its strong hand. This policy promoted not only travel, tolerance and the exchange of ideas but also the concept of international brotherhood. The book On The Road To Civilization states: "The unity of the [Roman] Empire made the field[for Christian preaching] a favorable one. National barriers had been broken down. A Roman citizen was a citizen of the world.... Moreover, a religion that taught the brotherhood of man could be understood in a state which had developed the idea of universal citizenship." -Compare Acts 10:34, 35; 1 Peter 2:17.

What of our time? The 20th century has seen the most destructive wars in history, and regional wars continue to rage in some lands. (Revelation 6:4) Yet, there have also been periods of relative peace. The major powers of the world have not battled one another in all-out war for more than 50 years. This situation has greatly helped in the preaching of the good news in those lands.

The horrors of 20th century warfare have led many people to recognize the need for a world government. Fear of world war led to the formation of both the League of Nations and the United Nations. (Revelation 13:14) A proclaimed aim of both organizations has been the promoting of international cooperation and peace. People sensing such a need often respond favorably to the good news of the world government that will bring genuine and lasting peace-God's Kingdom.

Though Christians have been ferociously persecuted at times, both the first and the 20th centuries have seen periods of religious tolerance. (John 15:20; Acts 9:31) the Romans freely adopted and adapted to the gods and goddesses of the people they conquered. Wrote Professor Rodney Stark: "In many respects Rome provided for a greater level of religious freedom than was seen again until after the American Revolution." In modern times, people in many lands have become more open to other viewpoints, with the result that they have been willing to listen to the Bible message that Jehovah's Witnesses bring.

Next time: The Role Of Technology

Watchtower, 1999