Oops... My Bad

Read: Acts 11

“Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch…” (v.19)

The persecution that Saul started continued on long after Saul had become a believer and follower of Christ. Even after Saul’s conversion, he cannot “put the genie back into the bottle”… the damage had been done… the persecution still pressed on. Our actions in life make “ripples” in the pond… consequences… unforeseen consequences that we cannot escape. Our conversion doesn’t erase the effects of our sin on others. This is a sobering truth, but not one without hope.

Part of the “good news” of Christ is that God is working all things together for our good. While Christ has paid the cosmic penalty for our sins (death), and removed them from us (“no more condemnation”), he is also willing and able to mend the brokenness in others that our sin has caused. This powerful and wild idea shows up in Genesis with Joseph’s brothers: “But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Gen. 50:19-20) We see it here as well in that Saul’s persecution has catapulted the gospel into cities and places that it would never had been thought of. God is working this to the good of his glory. In fact, inseams to have been a part of his plan!

“Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them…” This persecution brought the message to those who had once been on the outside. This doesn’t erase the hurt or difficult… it doesn’t make the persecution “fun” or easy for God’s people. Yet, we see that God is redeeming the suffering and trials. This is the good news… not that God has erased all the earthly consequences for your bonehead actions… but that he is big enough to work forgiveness between you and those you have hurt (cf. Joseph and brothers above), mend the hearts of those “victims” of your sin, and work through the consequences to bring hope in the message of Christ.

In Christ we must never mistake this on going work (Christ redeeming our past mistakes) for our true identity in Christ! In Christ, you are no longer a sinner… even if you are still having to navigate some of the earthly consequences of your sin. You may just find that these past mistakes… these artifacts of your old self… become opportunities to bear testimony of who Jesus is and how he has changed you. They are opportunities for others to practice forgiveness by forgiving you… and for you to experience powerful GRACE and love when they do. I am sure that Saul had to experience this over and over again. How humbling it must be to see the ongoing persecution you had started rage on long after you have repented, turned, and come to Christ. May we be humbled as well. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Rom. 8:1) Love you guys. - JDP