Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Acts 9:23-30
by: Angie Osborn.
Saul had two reputations. The first was his "pre-conversion" reputation. He hated the Christians and persecuted them. He was well known for his intolerance of Christians. Later, he was converted and with just as much vigor, proclaimed the gospel. In today's passage, the apostles were leery of Saul. They did not want to give him a chance. Barnabas, however, had heard of Saul's preaching and teaching and stood up for him. Together, they accomplished great things for the Lord. We need to look beyond the "tainted past" of others and be willing to accept them into our Christian circles. We need to demonstrate Christ's love and allow them to build upon their new life.