Final answer:
Paul insisted that believers should not live as the Gentiles do, meaning that they should not embrace the prevalent cultural practices of the Roman world. His teachings emphasized a life of holiness and contrasted with Roman values, causing significant tensions between early Christians and Roman society.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of early Christianity and the teachings of Paul, the question relates to the apostle's exhortation to live a distinct life from the Gentiles, which in the New Testament refers to those who are not Jewish and by extension could refer to the prevailing pagan or secular culture at the time. Paul insisted that believers should not live as the Gentiles do, meaning that they should not follow the practices and values that were common in the Roman world, which could be characterized by idolatry, materialism, and moral laxity. This teaching is particularly evident in Paul's letters such as those to the Ephesians, where he urges them to live a life of holiness and separation from their previous pagan ways.
Historically, this marked a significant distinction as Christianity emerged in a Roman world deeply entrenched in its own religio-cultural identity. Paul's teachings underscored a transformation of life and thought, emphasizing new values such as love, humility, and spiritual focus which stood in contrast to certain aspects of Roman society. This contributes to understanding the tensions between early Christians like Paul and the Roman authorities or cultural norms of the time, as well as Christianity's radical message that challenged established social orders and expectations.