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The Life of the Early Christians  /  Evangelism in the Early Church  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 8
Athenagoras highlights Christians who don’t “rehearse speeches” but show good works: not striking back, not going to law when robbed, giving generously, loving neighbors; which of these lifestyle markers would most disrupt your current way of life, and what would it cost you relationally, financially, or legally to practice them?
Another way to ask: Athenagoras points to Christians who show faith by their actions—not hitting back, not suing, giving freely, and loving neighbors. Which of these would be hardest for you, and what might it cost you with relationships, money, or your legal rights?

Direct Answer Bercot’s material pushes us to admit these markers are disruptive because they require non-retaliation, refusal to demand our “rights,” and costly generosity; practicing them could mean absorbing loss, misunderstanding, and financial or legal disadvantage.

Support from Transcript:

  • Athenagoras: “When struck, they don’t strike back. When robbed, they don’t go to law. They give…love their neighbors as themselves.”
  • Bercot highlights non-resistance as a standout Christian trait, including “personal fights, going to court, things like that.”
  • He implies real cost: early Christians lived this way under persecution, even “beaten and killed by mobs,” and still didn’t defend themselves.
  • Clement’s business ethic (“not name two prices”) suggests financial cost: refusing manipulation for profit, being satisfied with a “fair price.”
  • Tertullian’s ethic forbids even “think[ing] ill of any person,” implying relational cost when offended.
  • Bercot notes pagans noticed and inquired because Christians lived “notably different,” meaning social friction was part of the witness.
Discussion Follow-ups Which of these practices would most threaten your reputation, income, or sense of security—and what would trusting God look like in that area?

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