Breaking Dawn : The First 25 Years of Christianity
by Peter May, Euro Leadership:
In this article, we will look at the ‘hidden’ first 25 years of the Christian era, examining the impact of Christ upon the ancient world and drawing some lessons for today.
An Astonishing Claim.
Famously, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” But when I first read that passage as a sceptical teenager, I found it very puzzling. Did Jesus actually say that ? It is not recorded in the other three Gospels – Matthew, Mark or Luke – which are all thought to have been written before John. It is such a prophetic claim to make. However, I soon found that Jesus said something very similar in Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount. He told his followers, “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before mankind, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”