– Today’s Community Scripture – 6/9/2025

After that he was accepted as one of them, going in and out of Jerusalem with no questions asked, uninhibited as he preached in the Master’s name. But then he ran afoul of a group called Hellenists—he had been engaged in a running argument with them—who plotted his murder. When his friends learned of the plot, they got him out of town, took him to Caesarea, and then shipped him off to Tarsus. Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country—Judea, Samaria, Galilee—the church grew. They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them. They prospered wonderfully.

Acts 9:28–31 (MSG)

– Reflection:

This passage offers a powerful reflection on transformation, grace, and the early Christian community’s capacity for forgiveness and trust. Saul, once a fierce persecutor of Christians, is now fully accepted as Paul, a passionate preacher of Christ. His acceptance among the disciples, despite his past, underscores the radical nature of God’s grace and the transformative power of encountering Christ. The disciples’ willingness to embrace Paul “with no questions asked” reveals a deep faith not only in God’s ability to change hearts but also in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It’s also significant that Paul’s boldness in preaching quickly leads to conflict, showing that his zeal remained, but it was now redirected toward truth and love. The community’s protective response—helping him escape danger—demonstrates their solidarity and trust in his new identity. Ultimately, the peace and growth that follow Paul’s departure suggest that God was orchestrating events for the good of the Church, using even former enemies to advance His mission. This passage invites us to consider how we view others’ pasts and challenges us to believe in the possibility of true transformation.

– Where do we go from here?

This moment challenges us to consider what radical forgiveness and acceptance might look like in our own lives and communities. The disciples’ “no questions asked” embrace of Paul is striking, especially when contrasted with our modern tendency to demand proof of change, apologies, or even penance before offering trust. From here, we might explore how to cultivate a spirit of grace that balances wisdom with openness, recognizing that while discernment is important, so is the willingness to believe in someone’s transformation. This doesn’t mean ignoring harm or bypassing accountability, but rather creating spaces where redemption is possible and where people are not forever defined by their worst moments. As individuals and communities of faith, we can ask: How can we become more like the early Church in our posture toward those who seek a new path? What structures or attitudes do we need to change to make room for grace to flourish? Moving forward, we are invited to embody a forgiveness that is courageous, countercultural, and rooted in the belief that God is still in the business of changing lives.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for the power of our transformation and the grace that welcomes us home, regardless of our past. Just as You turned Saul into Paul, help us to believe in the possibility of change within ourselves and in others. Teach us to forgive with open hearts, to trust in Your work even when it challenges our comfort, and to become communities that reflect Your mercy. May we walk in the boldness of Your Spirit, strengthened by Your presence and guided by Your peace. Let our lives, like the early Church, be characterized by reverence, growth, and grace. In Jesus’ name we can all say, Amen.