What can we learn from Paul's past actions to guide our own repentance? The Setting of Acts 22:5 “ …as the high priest and all the Council of elders can testify. I even obtained letters from them to our brothers in Damascus, and I went there to bring those bound who were there to Jerusalem to be punished.” Zeal Without Truth Leads to Sin • Paul’s passion was real, yet misdirected (Acts 9:1–2; Philippians 3:6). • Our own strong convictions must always be tested against the clear teaching of Scripture (Psalm 119:105). • Misguided zeal can actually oppose God’s work; sincerity alone is never a safeguard (Romans 10:2). Owning the Full Truth About Our Past • Paul publicly names his sins—persecution, violence, coercion (Acts 22:4; 26:10–11). • He refuses to soften the facts; genuine repentance starts with full disclosure (Proverbs 28:13). • By saying, “the high priest and all the Council can testify,” he accepts outside verification—no hidden corners. Repentance Begins With Seeing Through God’s Eyes • Paul’s Damascus encounter (Acts 9:3–6) forced him to view his actions as rebellion, not service. • “I acted in ignorance and unbelief” (1 Timothy 1:13), yet ignorance did not excuse the need for repentance. • True repentance always involves freshly aligning with God’s verdict on our behavior (Isaiah 55:7). Turning Around and Walking Differently • After repentance Paul immediately obeys Jesus’ next step—preaching the very gospel he once tried to destroy (Acts 9:20). • Repentance is not only sorrow but a course correction that bears fruit (2 Corinthians 7:10–11; Luke 3:8). • His former boldness becomes holy boldness; God redirects, not erases, the personality He created. Letting a Redeemed Past Serve the Gospel • Paul’s testimony becomes a bridge to both Jews (Acts 22) and Gentiles (Galatians 1:23–24). • By keeping his backstory in view he magnifies Christ’s mercy: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst” (1 Timothy 1:15). • Our past, once surrendered, can showcase God’s patience and strength to others struggling with similar sin (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). Personal Checkpoints for Ongoing Repentance – Regularly compare zeal with Scripture, not emotion. – Confess sin plainly, resisting the urge to rebrand it. – Accept God’s verdict, not self-justification. – Replace old pathways with obedient action. – Keep telling the story of grace so others find hope. |
    |