The Apostle Paul gives his testimony in Acts 22. He admits the cruelty he pressed upon the followers of Christ. “………I persecuted the followers of the Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison…” Acts 22:4
He then tells of his salvation experience when he met Christ on the road to Damascus. “……Saul, Saul, Why do you persecute me….?” Jesus called his name. He was then a changed man. He now belonged to Christ.
The part of his testimony that stands out to me is found in verse 20: “…..When the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I STOOD THERE GIVING MY APPROVAL AND GUARDING THE CLOTHES OF THOSE WHO WERE KILLING HIM…..” He did not participate, yet,He just stood there and watched.
So often we all just stand there and do nothing when God is clearly speaking to us and guiding us to stand up for what is evil, to love others, to do for others,…..to live for Him.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially, to those who belong to the family of believers….” Galatians 6:10.
Paul never gave up. He became the first missionary to spread the message of Christ; he planted many churches; he ministered to the new Christians that made up these churches. Until he suffered a martyr’s death, he lived for Christ. He is still ministering to us today
Have a blessed day!
In Christian love,
Diane