Dale Atteberry - Follow Their Example

In this sermon, Dale Atteberry focuses on some relatively obscure names in the Bible. Pudens Rufus Prudencia evidently was Paul’s half brother, while Priscilla was Paul’s mother. God works with families, as is evident from Jesus’ cousin John, and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas. Many times biblical characters have more than one name, such as Simon/Peter/Cephas, John/Mark, Dorcas/Tabitha, etc. Following Christ’s crucifixion, many prominent followers of Christ were thought to have fled to Britain to escape the persecution from Emperor Claudius. These followers of Christianity were given protection by the local inhabitants of what later became Britain, repelling the Roman legions for over 300 years. The Roman legions could never reach the Christian stronghold at Glastonberry. In the meantime, some of the enemies fraternized with each other and intermarriage took place, enabling many conversions to Christianity. Pudens, Linus, and Claudia (Paul’s relatives) figured prominently in these significant intermarriages. Back on the continent, relatives of Simon Magus were constructing the counterfeit Christianity which was to dominate Europe. The true church met secretly in the catacombs and cemeteries, an extensive series of tunnels extending for more than 500 miles. Linus, Paul’s cousin, not Peter, was the first bishop of the true Christian Church. The above ground church was made possible by Paul’s relative from Britain, having married a Roman senator, making it possible for Paul to conduct his work unmolested. We can take comfort from this example, that in the midst of persecution, God can protect us and accomplish His work.

Acts 8:9-24 * Arvirigus Benjamin * Britain * Britannia * Caracticus * Catacombs of St Priscilla * Children of Claudia * R. W. Morgan -- Did the Apostle Paul Visit Britain * Druidic religion * Emperor Claudius * Gladys Glastonberry * God works in families * Joseph of Arimethea * King Leer * Linus * Matthew 24:9-13; 27:57-60 * Morgan * Paul in Britain * Nero * Paul in Britain * Philippians 3:5 * Pomponia Pudens, Linus, and Claudia Prudenciana * Romans 6:13 * Rufus Pudens Prudencia * II Timothy 4:21 * Simon Magus * Venessa * Young’s Analytical Concordance