Paul was a sinner like we all are. From a
humanistic sinner and legalistic perspective, he was the worst of the
worst. Paul was not just satisfied with voicing his opinion of the Way
and trying to prove Christianity to be a lie, he was
hell bent (pun intended) on cleansing this world of those who claimed
to be Christian. He used his anger, his faith, his legalistic
understanding to justify his actions.
With that being said, a sin is a sin is a sin. We just need to look at Matthew 5:21
- 22, ESV 21"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You
shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' 22But
I say to you
that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment;
whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever
says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell fire. Our categories of sin
do not exist for God, they all point to
an unclean heart. What I am getting at here is not pointing out the
sins of Paul and ourselves, but in what happens once you have repented
and have confessed to God.
Notice the command and instruction God gives to
Paul. He says, "rise" (command), "...and you will be told what you are
to do" (instruction). Many Christians after being baptized, accept
Christ, or even confess ask, "now what?" The answer
to all Christians from God is "rise", get up, go, do! We are not to sit
and wallow, but we are to "rise". "O.K., I rose, now what?" Well, if
you open your heart to the Spirit, and surround yourself with a
community of believers, spend time in God's word, pray,
"you will be told what you are to do."
God's Peace and Blessings - Joshua
"17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him."
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