Even for the “worst of sinners”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In bible study this week we read Acts 6 through 8. This includes the story of Stephen being martyred, but also mentions Saul, who “approved of their killing Stephen” (Acts 8.1) And who “began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison”(Acts 8.3).
There are a few things to know about the laws and culture in Jerusalem in order to fully understand Saul’s actions. First of all, during Roman occupation, any death sentence would have required the Governor’s approval. The council of synagogue leaders did not have that approval. In fact, the stoning of Stephen was the act of an angry mob. There was no trial, no protocol followed, no justice. Stephen’s true accusation- that they had killed the Son of Man-made them mad enough to kill him. So even though they followed neither their own rules nor the rules of their government, Saul approved of the killing.
Second, in the ancient near east, persecutors, whether for religious or political reasons, usually left the women alone. Only very harsh persecutions included dragging women off to prison. As Christian persecution continued in the early church, this became more common, but it would have shocked Saul’s contemporaries.
Not a very complimentary picture of Saul is it? He seems to be a very angry, unjust, harsh man, who was at least partly responsible for one murder, and wholly responsible for the unjust incarceration of many.
And this, beloved ones, is the man who wrote almost half of the New Testament.
This is the shocking, offensive, nature of grace: God’s grace is for everyone.
Even for the “worst of sinners”, as Paul names himself in 1 Tim 1.
But after meeting Jesus, this once rampaging murder now talks like this:
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
It is shocking to think that God’s grace is even for the worst of sinners, until WE mess up really bad. Then this truth is living water, saving us from death.
This is why I love and follow Jesus. No one is beyond the grasp of Christ’s loving arms. Thanks be to God.
Grace and peace,
Tracey
Prayer:
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Soli Deo Gloria
The Rev. Canon Tracey Russell
Rector: Trinity Church, Washington, PA
550 S. Main St.
Washington, PA 15301
724.222.0740
