Paul's Forgiveness

Steven’s Scribbles
“Paul’s Forgiveness”
Eph. 4:32


    I have been preparing for a sermon on forgiveness and came across a social media post that blew my mind. It simply said, “The Apostle Paul entered heaven to the cheers of those he martyred. That’s how the gospel works.” Paul gave up much and suffered greatly for his ministry. Jesus told Ananias concerning Paul, “He [Paul] is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16).


    Paul’s conversion to the Way was so rapid and drastic that it confused those who were preparing for his arrival. After Paul started proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God in the synagogues, they said, “Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?” (Acts 9:21).


    Yet, Paul was forgiven by the Lord and, therefore, also by those whom he previously persecuted (Col. 3:13). Paul repented of his former way of life and remained humble about his past. He stated, “I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Cor. 15:9). Even though he suffered many physical trials (2 Cor. 11:22-26), he didn’t count that as payment for his former sins. 


    How can we rejoice at a murderer going to heaven? Because the same blood that washes away a murderer’s sins is the same blood that washes my sins away. Thank God for that! I love you all!


In His Service,
Steven Hugley