How does Acts 22:20 demonstrate the seriousness of persecuting believers? Setting the Scene Acts 22 captures Paul’s defense before a hostile Jerusalem crowd. Recounting his conversion, he includes a sober confession: “ ‘And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who killed him.’ ” (Acts 22:20) Paul’s Words Expose the Weight of Persecution • Personal admission—Paul does not shift blame; he owns his past complicity. • “Your witness Stephen”—believers belong to God; to harm them is to strike at the Lord’s own. • Bloodshed recalled—Paul highlights the extreme end of persecution: taking a life created by God. Persecution Viewed Through Heaven’s Lens • Acts 9:4–5—Jesus confronts Saul: “Why are you persecuting Me?” One cannot touch Christ’s body (the Church) without touching Christ Himself. • Matthew 25:40—serving or mistreating “the least of these brothers of Mine” is counted as done to Jesus. • Zechariah 2:8—“He who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” God guards His people as His own pupil. Persecution Draws Immediate Divine Accounting • Genesis 12:3—“I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you.” Aligning with God’s people brings blessing; opposing them invites judgment. • 2 Thessalonians 1:6–9—God “will pay back trouble to those who trouble you” and punish persecutors “with everlasting destruction.” • Hebrews 10:29–31—those who trample underfoot the Son of God face a “fearful expectation of judgment.” The Preciousness of the Martyr’s Blood • Revelation 6:9–10—the souls of the slain cry out; God hears and promises justice. • Psalm 116:15—“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” • 2 Timothy 4:6–8—Paul later faces death with confidence, knowing a “crown of righteousness” awaits. Paul as Living Proof of Grace and Warning • Galatians 1:13—He once tried to destroy the Church, but God’s mercy redirected him. • 1 Timothy 1:13–16—Paul’s conversion showcases both the severity of his sin and the super-abounding grace of Christ; yet it also stands as a caution: persistent hardness is not met with leniency. Takeaways to Hold Firmly • Persecuting believers is no minor offense; it is an assault on Christ Himself. • God records every injustice and will vindicate His people in perfect time. • The spilling of saintly blood is both a grave crime and a seed for future harvest (John 12:24). • Paul’s story offers hope to any persecutor who repents and a solemn warning to any who persist. |
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