What role does repentance play in Saul's story in Acts 22:20? Repentance Underlines Paul’s Testimony A Heart Laid Bare: Owning the Sin (Acts 22:20) “ ‘And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the garments of those who killed him.’ ” • Paul (still called Saul) openly confesses his past complicity in murder. • He does not soften or excuse it; he names the sin plainly. • This public admission, spoken from the Temple steps, is evidence of genuine repentance—an inward change that now expresses itself outwardly (cf. Psalm 51:3). The Turning Point: From Consent to Contrition • Acts 9:4–6 records Jesus confronting Saul: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”—a divine call that produced repentance. • What began with a blinding light culminates in the humble words of Acts 22:20. • Saul’s approval of Stephen’s death (Acts 8:1) becomes grief over that same act—a 180-degree turn characteristic of repentance (Luke 13:3). Fruit That Follows Genuine Repentance • Changed allegiance: persecutor to preacher (Acts 9:20). • Changed message: he now commands others to “repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance” (Acts 26:20). • Changed lifestyle: suffering for Christ rather than inflicting suffering (2 Corinthians 11:23–27). • Lasting humility: calling himself “the foremost of sinners” whose past highlights God’s patience (1 Timothy 1:13–16). Echoes Throughout Paul’s Letters • Romans 2:4—repentance springs from God’s kindness, a truth Paul lived firsthand. • 2 Corinthians 7:10—“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation.” His sorrow over Stephen’s death illustrates this. • Galatians 1:13–24—Paul revisits his violent past only to magnify grace. Each retelling is an act of ongoing repentance and testimony. Practical Takeaways for Us • Repentance begins with honest confession—naming sin as God sees it. • True repentance is more than regret; it produces visible fruit and transformed priorities. • Continual remembrance of grace keeps pride in check and fuels bold witness. |
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