Paul Patiently Dealt With The Disciples According To God’s Ways
When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.
Acts 9:26, NIV
When Saul went to Jerusalem years after encountering Jesus in Damascus, the disciples were hesitant to welcome him. Before Saul met Jesus, he persecuted Christians and threatened their lives. He put them in prison, and many of them suffered because of him. This must’ve been why the disciples in Jerusalem found it hard to accept him. I would have probably felt the same way if I had worn their shoes. Fear would possibly dominate my heart, especially when I recall the painful things that he did before.
We can’t blame these Christians who have been wounded by what Saul did. However, the one thing we can learn from this passage is Saul’s response to their behavior. If he allowed these disciples to offend or disappoint him, he probably wouldn’t be able to connect and share the gospel with other places. If he let the spirit of offense take over, Saul must’ve failed to finish the race. But in 2 Timothy 4:7, he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Saul, also known as Paul, was able to deal with that situation according to God’s ways. Perhaps he chose to understand and continue to love those disciples who can’t accept his faith. Maybe he realized the things that he had done before, and he patiently waited for them to openly welcome him.
Paul never responded with hate or bitterness despite what the disciples did. He humbly accepted that there might still be remnants of past hurts they needed to deal with. He chose to love. He chose to wait. He didn’t blame God or treat it as an attack. Instead, Paul patiently dealt with them according to God’s ways.
If, by chance, you experience those moments when people find it hard to believe you already changed. Then, remember what Paul did. Patiently wait for them and choose to love. Accept the truth that maybe they are still dealing with the painful things that you did to them in the past. Continue to serve God, and don’t take their treatments as an attack. Choose to abide by God’s ways, and just like Paul, you will victoriously finish the race.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for giving us the chance to know you. Thank you for changing us from the inside out. Please remind us to be humble, especially when we encounter people who will doubt our faith and devotion. May you give us the grace to stay patient, and to accept the things that are hard to accept. Be glorified always and forever, In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
