“I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women in prisons…” (Acts 22:4)
Paul had a lot of regrets and sins on his record. I imagine Paul remembered many of the faces of the men and women who he had led to prison and slaughter. I can’t imagine having that sort of thing to haunt me.
Yet, this is where grace comes in. God was gracious to Paul, and through grace, Paul no longer needed to be haunted by his past decisions – instead, he was driven by the freedom he had been given from them. The same Paul who killed Christians would someday rejoin them in heaven’s home. Sin divides us. Jesus’ grace unites us.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Acts 22:1-10
Questions to ask:
- How does this show the continuation of Jesus’ work now going on in the church?
- How is the gospel, Paul’s preaching, and/or Paul’s defense received?
- What is the Holy Spirit doing in this text?
- What in our reading shows how Paul handled adversity and difficulty?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision