How does Acts 9:26 connect with Jesus' teachings on acceptance and love? Acts 9:26—The Verse “When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.” The Immediate Tension - Saul’s violent past left deep scars on the church (Acts 8:1–3). - The Jerusalem believers reacted with understandable caution, but their fear conflicted with the love Jesus commands. Jesus’ Call to Acceptance and Love - John 13:34-35 — “Love one another… By this everyone will know that you are My disciples.” - Luke 6:27-28 — “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” - Matthew 25:35 — “I was a stranger and you welcomed Me.” - Luke 10:33-37 — The Samaritan models mercy across entrenched hostilities. - John 4:7-10; 19:1-10 — Jesus Himself welcomes the outcast Samaritan woman and the despised tax collector Zacchaeus. Connecting the Dots - Jesus teaches love that overrides fear; Acts 9:26 shows disciples wrestling to put that teaching into practice. - Saul stands as the “enemy-turned-brother.” Christ had already accepted him (Acts 9:4-6); now believers must do the same. - Barnabas’ intervention (Acts 9:27) mirrors Christlike advocacy—he vouches for Saul, embodying the Good Shepherd who seeks lost sheep (John 10:11-16). What Acceptance Looks Like • See people through the lens of Christ’s redemptive work rather than their past failures. • Extend relational risk when evidence of repentance is present, trusting God’s transforming power (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Advocate for new believers just as Barnabas did, bridging gaps of mistrust within the body. Practical Takeaways - Loving obedience means opening our fellowship to transformed lives, even when history makes that costly. - Genuine acceptance verifies the gospel’s power: persecutors become proclaimers, enemies become family (Ephesians 2:13-19). - When fear tempts withdrawal, recall Jesus’ explicit command—“love one another”—and step toward the Saul standing at the door. |
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