Cancel culture and silencing go hand in hand today as unpopular opinions and beliefs are censured with increasing frequency and vehemence. This isn’t new. Its been going on forever. The developing early church was often censured by the established religious leaders of that day. It didn’t work. Why? God had other plans.
The apostle Paul finally arrived in Rome. What was behind his whole difficult journey; “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” (Acts 28:17-20) Paul hadn’t given up on his people even if many rejected him and Jesus.
The effectiveness of Paul’s cancellation was demonstrated in the reply of his audience; “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.” (Acts 28:21,22) They had heard nothing of Paul’s excellent apologetics and just the negative about the church. Yet they were curious and wanted to know more. God knew they would. That’s why he sent Paul. What was the outcome? “So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.” (v. 23,24) God knew that would happen too. Paul concluded; “’Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!’ And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.” (v. 28,29)
So Paul preached to the heathen in their capital city; “Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.” (Acts 28:30,31)
In Rome, Paul wasn’t cancelled or silenced and the Gentiles heard.
Steps Down The Road 