4.  Propaganda & War

Propaganda is a vital weapon in warfare.  For example, in the recent Persian Gulf War, Americans were stirred into hatred of Iraq by propaganda which alleged that Hussain was stealing baby incubators.  Later, this propaganda was proven false, but not until it had accomplished its purpose. 

So it was in the early days of Christianity, when those who hated the truth warred against truth and against the Christians, who were followers of the truth.  Propaganda was one of the weapons used against the Christians.  This is seen throughout the book of Acts.  "But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles, and embittered them against the brethren," Acts 14:2.  "But the Jews aroused the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district," Acts 13:50.  Thus, we see that propaganda was quite successful long before the advent of printing presses, film, editing, radio, and television.  Technological advances have transformed propaganda into one of the most effective weapons in the arsenal of the enemies of the truth.