Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” vss. 1-2
Acts 9:1-2
The number of believers was growing at a rapid rate in Jerusalem. Saul, a young zealous Pharisee, was appalled at what was happening and acted on behalf of the high priest to destroy their community. He went from house to house with his minions searching for Christians to throw them into prison. Many scattered and ran for shelter in other cities. When Saul heard that some had gone to Damascus in neighboring Syria, he arranged to pursue and arrest them. His tactics were similar to those used by enforcement agencies in our time. He didn’t care about the rights of the believers, he only wanted to eliminate them. In his mind, he was acting justly, and the piety and bravery of men like Stephen seemed to enrage him.
His story reminds us of how dangerous religious people can be. In fact throughout history the greatest threat to the gentle, loving, sacrificial Way of Jesus has come from those claiming to uphold the laws of God. Their bigotry has been cruel and insatiable, and always wrapped in the facade of piety. And just when we think that such attitudes are a thing of the past, the persecutions begin anew!
Thought for the Day: How can religious people be so cruel?
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