THE HATER BECOMES THE HATED

 

Acts 9:20-31

Who do we find acceptable to be apart of the church? The simple answer to that question is everyone who truly believes in Jesus in accordance with the full gospel, belongs to God's worldwide family, the church. There can be few things worse than someone needing help walking into a church and not being accepted by those who call church their home. This happens more than you can imagine; the very institution that should be the most welcoming and accepting of people, can be the coldest and unwelcoming of people. That’s because churches are made up of people, and people are broken. Churches function as a place for broken people to seek healing rather than a gathering of perfect individuals. People who are forgiven for their sins by a holy God through Jesus Christ alone. People who hold the Scriptures alone as the highest authority over life and death. People who are saved by grace alone and nothing else. People who are saved by faith alone, which is a gift from God. People who enter this place together to worship, “to God the glory alone”. Ordinary believers share responsibility for the well-being, and mission statement of their local community, through the proclamation of the gospel witness.

So here is the Sunday question early! Would you trust a man like Saul, if he entered our church after knowing what he did to the church? I asked a question last Sunday at the end of my message, “If a repentant mass-persecutor of Christians came to our church, would you be ready to accept them? Only when you truly understand the gospel, will you be able to give an answer to that question. Many are not ready to accept them into the fellowship, and that is to our shame as a church, as believer in the forgiveness of sins. The church is still plagued with this, someone who was lost, had a past that would cause anyone to blush; were people would still question how is this possible.

 

This reminds me of the self-righteous man and the tax collector going to pray in the temple. “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:10-14

Which one characterizes you the best

from these two men?

 

Because the church is filled with bad people, from all walks of life and its His redeeming work that has brought sinners together. The people may not have been ready for this, at first; but what we will see is that they began to accept Saul, as the fruit of God’s grace grew the church. (v31) It’s here we see the answer to that question as Saul prepares for ministry for the sake of the gospel. Would you trust a man like Saul, if he entered our church after knowing what he did to the church? Saul transitioned from an active persecutor of the early Christian church into a polarizing figure, who faced: intense opposition, suffering, and criticism for his own teachings. Saul’s life has been completely transformed, a complete 180 as he is now, a true minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Saul who was causing havoc to the church was now causing havoc in the synagogues. Saul didn’t know much Christian theology, but one that he knew for sure and that was that Jesus is the Son of God. Saul preached true justification and forgiveness of sins come through faith in Jesus Christ alone, rather than through religious heritage, moral standing, or keeping the law. (v20) 

He would affirm that in his letter to the church in Phillipi. “For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” Phil 3:3-11

 

Paul reveals that its all of Christ. Nothing I bring, apart from Him, will save you from death and judgement. In other words, sinner! Do not rely on good deeds, family background, or moral behavior to make you right with a holy God. Treat worldly success, status, and possessions, as worthless compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, because its all about Him.

 

Saul’s transformation left people stunned, amazed as we read in (v21).

 

They could not comprehend the drastic change in Saul; you could say the same if someone you heard about was evil, vile and wicked, all of a sudden demonstrated true gospel change in their life, like you. “Amazed” the people were ecstatic the characteristics of the gospel radically changed Saul forever. Amazed why? Amazed, because Saul had just traveled to Damascus with the exact opposite mission. Saul was known for previously hunting, arresting, and harming believers, who called on the name of Jesus in Jerusalem. His main purpose, his mission in going to Damascus under the authority from the chief priests, was to bind and arrest Christians. What a dramatic shift, his sudden transformation from a violent persecutor, to a bold preacher leaves everyone completely stunned.

 

The people in the synagogue knew who

Saul was and why he came.

His changed life was so public, and clear, that it shocked everyone who knew his history. This what the gospel does, it completely transforms a sinner into a light, that looks like Christ. Gospel transformation is evident when a person's inner heart, character, and daily actions visibly shift to reflect the love, humility, and likeness of Jesus Christ, rather than relying on forced behavior modification.

See, the gospel is not this.

The gospel is not traditionalism—the traditions that you follow.

The gospel is not the church you attend nor any denominational affiliation.

The gospel is not favor from God for you to obtain things in life.

The gospel is not catchy clichés that church people say.

The gospel is not health, wealth, and prosperity.

The gospel is not your best life now.

The gospel is not social justice and activism—it can be demonstrated in that way, but that doesn’t make it the gospel.

The gospel is not being ordained as a minister.

The gospel is not your title/role in the church.

The gospel is not the Christian songs you sing

The gospel is not your fire insurance, “believe this" so you won’t go to hell.

The gospel is not a scripted “repeat after me” prayer.

The gospel is not water baptism; get baptized and your saved or be baptized to seal your salvation.

The gospel is not universalism; God is going to save everybody; there is no hell.

The gospel is not any other “ism” that removes Jesus as the only Way to the Father, the only absolute Truth, the only Life-giver and sustainer, or adds anything to Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life.

The gospel is not found in political parties or the talking heads on the news.

 

The gospel is not found in Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Black Hebrew Israelites, Islam, Judaism, New-age beliefs, eastern religious beliefs, the progressive church movement, the ideology of Christian Nationalism, or any other view or belief that is not in accordance with the clear revelation of God in the Bible.

 

See, the gospel transformed life is found in this as revealed in Saul…. The gospel is God transferring those who believe in Jesus from death to life. The gospel is God’s outpouring of His rich mercy and great love toward those who believe. The gospel is God transferring those who believe from eternal separation from Him to eternal placement with Him. The gospel is God’s gift given to us freely through His Son. The gospel is God recreating those who believe (new creation) in Christ for His foreordained good works. As Paul would later write, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” Titus 3:3-8

As one writer wrote, “God through His gospel transforms our spiritual state (spiritually dead to spiritually alive), our eternal state (eternal separation to eternal placement), and our present state (people of disobedience to God’s workmanship/new creation). The gospel transforms the whole person. Nothing is off limits from the power of God in the gospel.”

 

This was Saul’s outpouring of joy as he began

preaching in Jesus’ name.

This news must have displeased his closest of friends in the Synagogue, because word gets out that the Jews wanted to kill Saul. (v23-25) Now the hater has become the hated, by the ones who supported, and encouraged, Saul, in his wickedness. The hunter has become the hunted, by the religious zealots, who had a standard that no one could live up too, in order to be apart of there crew. They trusted in Saul to complete his mission for them; remember Saul was the one who encouraged and held the coats of the men who stoned Stephen to death. This is the man they knew when he volunteered to go to Damascus; little did they know the man they knew would be transformed by God Himself. This truth reveals in Scripture that our closet friends and allies can turn on you when you turn to Christ. We read in Matthew’s gospel. “Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matt 10:21-22

 

Following Jesus will bring intense family betrayal and widespread hatred, but those who stay faithful until the end will be saved. Believers will face rejection and hatred from society simply for bearing the name of Christ. People who stand firm and endure through this severe persecution will find spiritual deliverance and eternal salvation; this was Saul’s new life from here on out. It is possible that your deepest bonds will break; as loved ones turn you over to authorities, because they you not apart of the establishment. 

Now there is a time lapse here as Luke briefly explains (v23) “many days had passed” this time table is marked out in Paul’s statement to the Galatians church. We read in Paul’s opening chapter of his letter to them. “For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.” 

Gal 1:11-18. The men who claimed to be Saul’s friend, heard what had happened and desired to have him be killed for his betrayal to the system. (v23-v24)

 

Why did they want to kill Saul?

 

His bold preaching in the synagogues of Damascus and Jerusalem created massive confusion, divided local communities, and challenged the established religious leadership. Saul went from being a leading Pharisee who hunted followers of Jesus to using his deep knowledge of Scripture to prove that Jesus was the Christ, undermining traditional teachings. Jesus, is “the Son of God” this revealed the title reserved for God alone. A title these men never wanted to here, especially out of the mouth of one of their own. This was a title of Deity and the establishment refused to believe it. “When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” John 19:6-7

 

In the Gospel of John, Jesus stated, "I and the Father are one," John 10:30 which his listeners immediately interpreted as a claim to deity

 

Jesus accepted the title when addressed by others, such as Peter's declaration, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God" Matt 16:16

 

When questioned by the high priest during His trial in Mark 14:61-62, asking if He was the Christ the Son of the Blessed, Jesus answered, "I am"

This was the establishments problem…. This name Jesus keeps coming up. Not only the Jews were on the look out for him, but so was King Aretas, an Arab king who was irritated with Saul’s preaching. We read in 2 Cor 11:32, “At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.” United in their desire to kill Saul, the believers did what they could to protect this new brother in Christ from the evil establishment; as Luke reveals. (v25) Its here Saul would be able to enter Jerusalem to meet the disciples, at first they didn’t buy it, they must have thought of him being a wolf in sheep’s clothing. (v26-v28) Now this man has entered the fellowship and now he is going to destroy the church from the inside instead, of being on the outside. The trust level was not there yet, even though it’s been three years, but one disciple named Barnabas, who’s name means “son of encouragement” took Saul in an vouched for him. (v27)  A great reminder of how the church should respond. It’s from here it didn’t take long for other to hate him, the Hellenists” Greek-speaking Jews. (v29-v30)

 

These were the same demographic groups that previously opposed the murder of Stephen; whom Saul had watched over during his earlier persecution of believers They obviously couldn’t get pass what Saul did previously. It seemed like everywhere Saul would go, people would end up hating him, or worse wanted him dead. Many early believers feared this, as Saul would bring a trail of violent men seeking his life everywhere he went. But one thing is for sure the gospel is more powerful than man’s hatred for murder as we read in (v31) “the church …had peace” a vital turning point where the early Christian community experienced a season of calm, growth, and spiritual strengthening It’s like God is telling the church, “Its ok, Saul is for real, you come out from underneath your beds.” Saul affirmed and proclaimed who we truly worship every Sunday and throughout the week. Jesus Christ, the Son of God. His only Begotten Son, who came into the world for us and for our salvation. This is why we gather together to give the sacrifice of praised and to give honor, worship and adoration to Him. This is the peace the church was displaying and living out because of the gospel.

 

How we live our Christian lives, should be determined by

who we understand God to be and by who Jesus is.

 

This is what the gospel does to bad people, makes them people of righteousness through Christ alone, and the church grows through seasons of unrest. Saul’s eyes were opened to proclaim Christ to the people, even though many were nervous being around him. Saul’s transformation reveals your transformation. The gospel shows how a radical transformation in Christ leads to bold witness, overcoming rejection through supportive community, and trusting God through early suffering. As one theologian wrote, “You can watch a man curse Christ and spit on a Bible. You can watch him mock you. Laugh. Dismiss it all.  And then one day, mid-sentence, the Spirit opens his eyes. Paul is riding to kill Christians. By lunchtime, he’s blind and calling Jesus Lord. Augustine lies on a garden bench, drunk with shame, and hears a child say, “Take up and read.” He picks up Romans and everything breaks for him. This is the Spirit’s work.  It cannot be mimicked.  It happens in pews, in jail cells and in hospital beds. It has happened to you, hasn’t it? You didn’t get there by logic or by accident.  You got there because the Spirit found you and convicted you. He showed you a Christ so lovely, so sufficient, that you stopped arguing and started worshiping. That is the Spirit’s signature: He makes Christ your treasure.” This was Saul’s new heart as he boldly proclaimed Christ to the very people he originally came to destroy. The hater now became the hated by the system; and there is no stopping Saul from this truth or the true church. Why? Because Jesus is truly the Son of God and church belongs to Him.