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Daily and Feastal Readings;
Saints/Martyrs/Heroes/Feasts/Fasts to be observed/commemmorated/celebrated: the Conversion of St. Paul
Scriptural Readings:
January 25th, 2011
The Conversion of Saint Paul
Read today's Higher Things Daily Reflection
January 25, 2011 - The Conversion of St. Paul
Today's Reading: Acts 9:1-22
Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 1:1-21; Romans 14:1-23
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."(Acts 9:17)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Wow! Mr. High and Mighty sure got knocked off his high horse! Literally! Saul was the almost perfect Pharisee. Born of the right tribe, a student of the Law, he was zealous to persecute those wicked Christians! He had the corner office and was probably the dream date of any Jewish girl. And it all came crashing down when the Lord saved him.
Saul went from killer of Christians to being killed for being a Christian. He went from proclaiming a religion about how good you can be, to a faith in a Savior who lived and died for us.
Saul (his Hebrew name) who became Paul (his Roman name) is a wonderful example of something very important and it is this: There is no sin or wickedness so great that it is not covered by the blood of Jesus. When Jesus gave His life on the cross, He did so even for a murderer like Saul. But think about it: your sins are bad, too. You know which ones. The ones you say and do but also, and perhaps even worse, the ones you think about or do when no one can see. None of those is outside the blood of Jesus. They're all forgiven.
That was the joy that Paul had when he preached Christ's forgiveness. He really knew what that forgiveness was about! For Paul, the “forgiveness of sins” wasn't just some idea. He knew all the awful things he had done and that the Lord was not holding those things against him for Jesus' sake. Same for you. Whatever you have said or done or thought, know for certain that it has all been wiped out by the blood of Jesus sprinkled on you in Baptism and given you to drink in the cup of the Holy Supper.
The Conversion of St. Paul is a reminder to us that with the Lord nothing is impossible. He who called himself the Chief of Sinners became the Chief Apostle. That's the Lord's work and it is marvelous! So it is with you. The Lord has taken an awful sinner and made you by His Word and gifts into His holy child forever. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Praise for the light from heaven And for the voice of awe; Praise for the glorious vision The persecutor saw. O Lord, for Paul's conversion, We bless Your name today; Come shine within our darkness, And guide us on our way. (LSB 517:12)
Questions or comments regarding the Reflections may be sent to the Rev. Mark Buetow, Reflectons Editor, reflections@higherthings.org.
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Collect
Almighty God, You turned the heart of him who persecuted the Church and by his preaching caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world. Grant us ever to rejoice in the saving light of Your Gospel and, following the example of the apostle Paul, to spread it to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Old Testament: Acts 9:1-22
The Conversion of Saul
1But Saul,(A) still(B) breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to(C) the high priest 2and asked him for letters(D) to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to(E) the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3(F) Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting(G) me?" 5And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus,(H) whom you are persecuting. 6But(I) rise and enter the city, and you will be told(J) what you are to do." 7(K) The men who were traveling with him stood speechless,(L) hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened,(M) he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10Now there was a disciple at Damascus named(N) Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said,(O) "Here I am, Lord." 11And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man(P) of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and(Q) lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." 13But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man,(R) how much evil he has done to(S) your(T) saints at Jerusalem. 14And here he has authority from(U) the chief priests to bind all who(V) call on your name." 15But the Lord said to him, "Go, for(W) he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name(X) before the Gentiles and(Y) kings and the children of Israel. 16For(Z) I will show him how much(AA) he must suffer(AB) for the sake of my name." 17So(AC) Ananias departed and entered the house. And(AD) laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and(AE) be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and(AF) he regained his sight. Then(AG) he rose and was baptized; 19and(AH) taking food, he was strengthened.
Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues
For(AI) some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying,(AJ) "He is the Son of God." 21And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who(AK) made havoc(AL) in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?" 22But Saul(AM) increased all the more in strength, and(AN) confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving(AO) that Jesus was the Christ.
Cross references:Acts 9:1 : Acts 9:13, 21; Acts 8:3 Acts 9:1 : Psalm 27:12 Acts 9:1 : Acts 22:5; 26:10 Acts 9:2 : Acts 22:19; Luke 12:11; 21:12 Acts 9:2 : Acts 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22; Acts 16:17; 18:25, 26; 22:4; Isa 30:21; 35:8; Amos 8:14 Acts 9:3 : For Acts 9:3-8, Acts 22:6-11; 26:12-18; 1 Cor 15:8 Acts 9:4 : Isa 63:9; Zech 2:8 Acts 9:5 : Acts 9:4 Acts 9:6 : Ezek 3:22; Gal 1:1 Acts 9:6 : Acts 9:16; 1 Cor 9:16 Acts 9:7 : Dan 10:7 Acts 9:7 : Acts 22:9 with John 12:29 Acts 9:8 : Acts 22:11 Acts 9:10 : Acts 22:12 Acts 9:10 : Gen 22:1; Isa 6:8 Acts 9:11 : Acts 21:39; 22:3 Acts 9:12 : Acts 9:17; Mark 5:23 Acts 9:13 : Acts 9:1, 2 Acts 9:13 : 1 Thess 3:13; 2 Thess 1:10 Acts 9:13 : Rom 15:25, 26, 31 Acts 9:14 : Acts 9:21 Acts 9:14 : Acts 22:16; Rom 10:13; 1 Cor 1:2; Acts 7:59; 2 Tim 2:22 Acts 9:15 : Acts 13:2; Rom 1:1; Gal 1:15; Eph 3:7 Acts 9:15 : Rom 1:5 (Gk); 11:13; 15:16; Gal 1:16; 2:2, 7-9; Eph 3:7, 8; 1 Tim 2:7; 2 Tim 4:17 Acts 9:15 : Acts 25:22, 23; 26:1, 32; 2 Tim 4:16 Acts 9:16 : Acts 20:23; 21:4, 11; 1 Thess 3:3 Acts 9:16 : Acts 9:6; Acts 14:22; 2 Cor 6:4, 5; 11:23-28 Acts 9:16 : Acts 5:41 Acts 9:17 : Acts 22:12-14 Acts 9:17 : Acts 9:12 Acts 9:17 : Acts 2:4 Acts 9:18 : Acts 22:13 Acts 9:18 : Acts 22:16 Acts 9:19 : Acts 9:9 Acts 9:19 : Acts 26:20 Acts 9:20 : Acts 9:22 Acts 9:21 : Acts 9:13, 14 Acts 9:21 : Gal 1:13, 23 Acts 9:22 : 1 Tim 1:12 Acts 9:22 : Acts 18:28 Acts 9:22 : Acts 9:20
Epistle: Gal. 1:11-24
Paul Called by God
11For(A) I would have you know, brothers, that(B) the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.[a] 12(C) For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it(D) through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13For you have heard of(E) my former life in Judaism, how(F) I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely(G) zealous was I for(H) the traditions of my fathers. 15But when he(I) who had set me apart(J) before I was born,[b] and who(K) called me by his grace, 16was pleased to reveal his Son to[c] me, in order(L) that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;[d] 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18Then(M) after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19But I saw none of the other apostles except James(N) the Lord’s brother. 20(In what I am writing to you,(O) before God, I do not lie!) 21(P) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22And I was still unknown in person to(Q) the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23They only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." 24And they glorified God because of me.
Footnotes:Galatians 1:11 Greek not according to man Galatians 1:15 Greek set me apart from my mother’s womb Galatians 1:16 Greek in Galatians 1:16 Greek with flesh and blood
Cross references:Galatians 1:11 : 1 Cor 15:1 Galatians 1:11 : Rom 2:16 Galatians 1:12 : Galatians 1:1; 1 Cor 11:23; 15:3; Acts 22:14 Galatians 1:12 : Galatians 1:16; 1 Cor 2:10; 2 Cor 12:1 Galatians 1:13 : Acts 26:4 Galatians 1:13 : Acts 8:3 Galatians 1:14 : Phil 3:6; Acts 21:20 Galatians 1:14 : Jer 9:14; 2 Tim 1:3; Matt 15:2 Galatians 1:15 : Acts 13:2; Rom 1:1 Galatians 1:15 : Isa 49:1, 5; Jer 1:5; Luke 1:15 Galatians 1:15 : Galatians 1:6 Galatians 1:16 : Galatians 2:9; Acts 9:15 Galatians 1:18 : Acts 9:22, 23 Galatians 1:19 : Matt 12:46; Acts 12:17 Galatians 1:20 : Rom 1:9; 9:1 Galatians 1:21 : Acts 9:30; 11:25, 26; 13:1 Galatians 1:22 : 1 Thess 2:14
Gospel: Matt. 19:27-30
27Then Peter said in reply, "See,(A) we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" 28Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world,[a](B) when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me(C) will also sit on twelve thrones,(D) judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29(E) And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold[b] and will(F) inherit eternal life. 30But(G) many who are(H) first will be last, and the last first.
Footnotes:Matthew 19:28 Greek in the regeneration Matthew 19:29 Some manuscripts manifold
Cross references:Matthew 19:27 : Matthew 4:20, 22; Mark 1:18, 20 Matthew 19:28 : Matthew 16:27 Matthew 19:28 : Luke 22:30; Rev 3:21 Matthew 19:28 : 1 Cor 6:2 Matthew 19:29 : Luke 14:26 Matthew 19:29 : Matthew 19:16; Matthew 25:34 Matthew 19:30 : Matthew 20:16; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30 Matthew 19:30 : Matthew 21:31, 32
Daily Lectionary
First Reading: Zech. 1:1-21
A Call to Return to the LORD
1In the eighth month,(A) in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet(B) Zechariah, the son of(C) Berechiah, son of(D) Iddo, saying, 2(E) "The LORD was very angry with your fathers. 3Therefore say to them, Thus declares the LORD of hosts:(F) Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and(G) I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. 4(H) Do not be like your fathers,(I) to whom the former prophets cried out, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts,(J) Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.' But(K) they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. 5Your fathers, where are they? And(L) the prophets, do they live forever? 6(M) But my words and my statutes, which I commanded(N) my servants the prophets, did they not(O) overtake your fathers? So they repented and said,(P) As the LORD of hosts purposed to deal with us for(Q) our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us."
A Vision of a Horseman
7On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month of Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet(R) Zechariah, the son of(S) Berechiah, son of(T) Iddo, saying, 8"I saw in the night, and behold,(U) a man riding on a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in the glen, and behind him were(V) red, sorrel, and white horses. 9Then I said, 'What are these, my lord?'(W) The angel who talked with me said to me, 'I will show you what they are.' 10So(X) the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered,(Y) 'These are they whom the LORD has sent to(Z) patrol the earth.' 11And they answered(AA) the angel of the LORD who was standing among the myrtle trees, and said,(AB) 'We have patrolled the earth, and behold, all the earth(AC) remains at rest.' 12Then(AD) the angel of the LORD said,(AE) 'O LORD of hosts,(AF) how long will you(AG) have no mercy on Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, against which you have been angry these seventy years?' 13And the LORD answered(AH) gracious and comforting words to(AI) the angel who talked with me. 14So(AJ) the angel who talked with me said to me, 'Cry out, Thus says the LORD of hosts:(AK) I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion. 15(AL) And I am exceedingly angry with the nations that are(AM) at ease;(AN) for while I was angry but a little,(AO) they furthered the disaster. 16Therefore, thus says the LORD,(AP) I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy;(AQ) my house shall be built in it, declares the LORD of hosts, and(AR) the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem. 17Cry out again, Thus says the LORD of hosts:(AS) My cities shall again overflow with prosperity,(AT) and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again(AU) choose Jerusalem.'"
A Vision of Horns and Craftsmen
18[a] And I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold,(AV) four horns! 19And I said to(AW) the angel who talked with me, "What are these?" And he said to me,(AX) "These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem." 20Then the LORD showed me four craftsmen. 21And I said, "What are these coming to do?" He said,(AY) "These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one raised his head. And these have come(AZ) to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations(BA) who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it."
Footnotes:Zechariah 1:18 Ch 2:1 in Hebrew
Cross references:Zechariah 1:1 : Hag 1:1 Zechariah 1:1 : Ezra 6:14; Matt 23:35 Zechariah 1:1 : 1 Chr 6:39 Zechariah 1:1 : Neh 12:4, 16 Zechariah 1:2 : Jer 2:5 Zechariah 1:3 : Isa 31:6; Jer 3:1, 22; Ezek 18:30; Mal 3:7 Zechariah 1:3 : Jer 12:15; Mic 7:19 Zechariah 1:4 : Psalm 78:8 Zechariah 1:4 : 2 Chr 36:15 Zechariah 1:4 : Zechariah 1:3 Zechariah 1:4 : Zechariah 7:11; 2 Chr 36:16; Jer 35:15 Zechariah 1:5 : John 8:52 Zechariah 1:6 : Isa 40:8; Matt 24:35 Zechariah 1:6 : Dan 9:6 Zechariah 1:6 : Deut 28:2, 15 Zechariah 1:6 : Lam 2:17 Zechariah 1:6 : Ezek 36:31 Zechariah 1:7 : Zechariah 1:1 Zechariah 1:7 : Zechariah 1:1 Zechariah 1:7 : Zechariah 1:1 Zechariah 1:8 : Rev 6:4 Zechariah 1:8 : Rev 6:4, 5, 8; Zechariah 6:2-7 Zechariah 1:9 : Rev 22:6 Zechariah 1:10 : Zechariah 1:8 Zechariah 1:10 : Heb 1:14 Zechariah 1:10 : Zechariah 6:7; Job 1:7 Zechariah 1:11 : Zechariah 1:9 Zechariah 1:11 : Zechariah 1:10 Zechariah 1:11 : Zechariah 1:15 Zechariah 1:12 : Zechariah 1:9 Zechariah 1:12 : Psalm 80:4; 89:46; Hab 2:6; Rev 6:10 Zechariah 1:12 : Psalm 102:13 Zechariah 1:12 : Zechariah 7:5; Jer 25:11; 29:10 Zechariah 1:13 : Jer 29:10, 11 Zechariah 1:13 : Zechariah 1:9 Zechariah 1:14 : Zechariah 1:9 Zechariah 1:14 : Zechariah 8:2; Joel 2:18 Zechariah 1:15 : Joel 3:2 Zechariah 1:15 : Zechariah 1:11 Zechariah 1:15 : Isa 54:7, 8 Zechariah 1:15 : Isa 47:6 Zechariah 1:16 : Zechariah 8:3 Zechariah 1:16 : Zechariah 4:9; Ezra 6:14 Zechariah 1:16 : Jer 31:39; Ezek 40:3; 47:3 Zechariah 1:17 : Zechariah 2:4 Zechariah 1:17 : Isa 40:1; 51:3 Zechariah 1:17 : Zechariah 2:12 Zechariah 1:18 : 1 Kgs 22:11 Zechariah 1:19 : Zechariah 1:9 Zechariah 1:19 : Zechariah 1:18 Zechariah 1:21 : Zechariah 1:18 Zechariah 1:21 : Deut 28:26; Jer 7:33 Zechariah 1:21 : Psalm 75:4, 5
Second Reading: Rom. 14:1-23
Do Not Pass Judgment on One Another
1As for(A) the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2(B) One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and(C) let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4(D) Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master[a] that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5(E) One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike.(F) Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since(G) he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7For(H) none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then,(I) whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9For to this end Christ(J) died and lived again, that he might be Lord both(K) of the dead and of the living.
10Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For(L) we will all stand before(M) the judgment seat of God; 11for it is written,
(N) "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess[b] to God."
12So then(O) each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Do Not Cause Another to Stumble
13(P) Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide(Q) never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus(R) that nothing is unclean in itself,(S) but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15For if your brother is grieved by what you eat,(T) you are no longer walking in love.(U) By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16(V) So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17(W) For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but(X) of righteousness and(Y) peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18Whoever thus serves Christ is(Z) acceptable to God and approved by men. 19So then let us(AA) pursue what makes for peace and for(AB) mutual upbuilding.
20(AC) Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God.(AD) Everything is indeed clean, but(AE) it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21(AF) It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.[c] 22The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God.(AG) Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.[d]
Footnotes:Romans 14:4 Or lord Romans 14:11 Or shall give praise Romans 14:21 Some manuscripts add or be hindered or be weakened Romans 14:23 Some manuscripts insert here 16:25-27
Cross references:Romans 14:1 : Romans 15:1; 1 Cor 8:9-11; 9:22 Romans 14:2 : Romans 14:14 Romans 14:3 : Col 2:16 Romans 14:4 : James 4:12 Romans 14:5 : Gal 4:10; Zech 7:5, 6 Romans 14:5 : Romans 14:23 Romans 14:6 : 1 Cor 10:30, 31; 1 Tim 4:3, 4; Matt 15:36 Romans 14:7 : 2 Cor 5:15; Gal 2:20; 1 Pet 4:2; 1 Cor 6:19; 1 Thess 5:10 Romans 14:8 : Phil 1:20 Romans 14:9 : Rev 1:18; 2:8 Romans 14:9 : Acts 10:42; Rev 20:12 Romans 14:10 : Romans 14:9 Romans 14:10 : 2 Cor 5:10 Romans 14:11 : Phil 2:10, 11; Isa 45:23 Romans 14:12 : Matt 12:36; 16:27; 1 Pet 4:5; Gal 6:5 Romans 14:13 : Matt 7:1 Romans 14:13 : 1 Cor 8:13 Romans 14:14 : Romans 14:2, 20; Acts 10:15 Romans 14:14 : 1 Cor 8:7, 10 Romans 14:15 : Eph 5:2 Romans 14:15 : 1 Cor 8:11; Romans 14:20 Romans 14:16 : Romans 12:17; 1 Cor 10:29, 30 Romans 14:17 : 1 Cor 8:8 Romans 14:17 : 1 Cor 6:9 Romans 14:17 : Gal 5:22; Romans 15:13 Romans 14:18 : 2 Cor 8:21 Romans 14:19 : Psalm 34:14; 1 Cor 7:15; 2 Tim 2:22 Romans 14:19 : Romans 15:2; 1 Cor 14:12 Romans 14:20 : Romans 14:15 Romans 14:20 : Titus 1:15; Romans 14:14 Romans 14:20 : 1 Cor 8:9-12 Romans 14:21 : 1 Cor 8:13 Romans 14:22 : 1 John 3:21
All Scripture Readings: English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
Daily and Feastal Readings;
Saints/Martyrs/Heroes/Feasts/Fasts to be observed/commemmorated/celebrated: the Conversion of St. Paul
Scriptural Readings:
January 25th, 2011
The Conversion of Saint Paul
Read today's Higher Things Daily Reflection
January 25, 2011 - The Conversion of St. Paul
Today's Reading: Acts 9:1-22
Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 1:1-21; Romans 14:1-23
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."(Acts 9:17)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Wow! Mr. High and Mighty sure got knocked off his high horse! Literally! Saul was the almost perfect Pharisee. Born of the right tribe, a student of the Law, he was zealous to persecute those wicked Christians! He had the corner office and was probably the dream date of any Jewish girl. And it all came crashing down when the Lord saved him.
Saul went from killer of Christians to being killed for being a Christian. He went from proclaiming a religion about how good you can be, to a faith in a Savior who lived and died for us.
Saul (his Hebrew name) who became Paul (his Roman name) is a wonderful example of something very important and it is this: There is no sin or wickedness so great that it is not covered by the blood of Jesus. When Jesus gave His life on the cross, He did so even for a murderer like Saul. But think about it: your sins are bad, too. You know which ones. The ones you say and do but also, and perhaps even worse, the ones you think about or do when no one can see. None of those is outside the blood of Jesus. They're all forgiven.
That was the joy that Paul had when he preached Christ's forgiveness. He really knew what that forgiveness was about! For Paul, the “forgiveness of sins” wasn't just some idea. He knew all the awful things he had done and that the Lord was not holding those things against him for Jesus' sake. Same for you. Whatever you have said or done or thought, know for certain that it has all been wiped out by the blood of Jesus sprinkled on you in Baptism and given you to drink in the cup of the Holy Supper.
The Conversion of St. Paul is a reminder to us that with the Lord nothing is impossible. He who called himself the Chief of Sinners became the Chief Apostle. That's the Lord's work and it is marvelous! So it is with you. The Lord has taken an awful sinner and made you by His Word and gifts into His holy child forever. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Praise for the light from heaven And for the voice of awe; Praise for the glorious vision The persecutor saw. O Lord, for Paul's conversion, We bless Your name today; Come shine within our darkness, And guide us on our way. (LSB 517:12)
Questions or comments regarding the Reflections may be sent to the Rev. Mark Buetow, Reflectons Editor, reflections@higherthings.org.
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Collect
Almighty God, You turned the heart of him who persecuted the Church and by his preaching caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world. Grant us ever to rejoice in the saving light of Your Gospel and, following the example of the apostle Paul, to spread it to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Old Testament: Acts 9:1-22
The Conversion of Saul
1But Saul,(A) still(B) breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to(C) the high priest 2and asked him for letters(D) to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to(E) the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3(F) Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting(G) me?" 5And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus,(H) whom you are persecuting. 6But(I) rise and enter the city, and you will be told(J) what you are to do." 7(K) The men who were traveling with him stood speechless,(L) hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened,(M) he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10Now there was a disciple at Damascus named(N) Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said,(O) "Here I am, Lord." 11And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man(P) of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and(Q) lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." 13But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man,(R) how much evil he has done to(S) your(T) saints at Jerusalem. 14And here he has authority from(U) the chief priests to bind all who(V) call on your name." 15But the Lord said to him, "Go, for(W) he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name(X) before the Gentiles and(Y) kings and the children of Israel. 16For(Z) I will show him how much(AA) he must suffer(AB) for the sake of my name." 17So(AC) Ananias departed and entered the house. And(AD) laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and(AE) be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and(AF) he regained his sight. Then(AG) he rose and was baptized; 19and(AH) taking food, he was strengthened.
Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues
For(AI) some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying,(AJ) "He is the Son of God." 21And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who(AK) made havoc(AL) in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?" 22But Saul(AM) increased all the more in strength, and(AN) confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving(AO) that Jesus was the Christ.
Cross references:Acts 9:1 : Acts 9:13, 21; Acts 8:3 Acts 9:1 : Psalm 27:12 Acts 9:1 : Acts 22:5; 26:10 Acts 9:2 : Acts 22:19; Luke 12:11; 21:12 Acts 9:2 : Acts 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22; Acts 16:17; 18:25, 26; 22:4; Isa 30:21; 35:8; Amos 8:14 Acts 9:3 : For Acts 9:3-8, Acts 22:6-11; 26:12-18; 1 Cor 15:8 Acts 9:4 : Isa 63:9; Zech 2:8 Acts 9:5 : Acts 9:4 Acts 9:6 : Ezek 3:22; Gal 1:1 Acts 9:6 : Acts 9:16; 1 Cor 9:16 Acts 9:7 : Dan 10:7 Acts 9:7 : Acts 22:9 with John 12:29 Acts 9:8 : Acts 22:11 Acts 9:10 : Acts 22:12 Acts 9:10 : Gen 22:1; Isa 6:8 Acts 9:11 : Acts 21:39; 22:3 Acts 9:12 : Acts 9:17; Mark 5:23 Acts 9:13 : Acts 9:1, 2 Acts 9:13 : 1 Thess 3:13; 2 Thess 1:10 Acts 9:13 : Rom 15:25, 26, 31 Acts 9:14 : Acts 9:21 Acts 9:14 : Acts 22:16; Rom 10:13; 1 Cor 1:2; Acts 7:59; 2 Tim 2:22 Acts 9:15 : Acts 13:2; Rom 1:1; Gal 1:15; Eph 3:7 Acts 9:15 : Rom 1:5 (Gk); 11:13; 15:16; Gal 1:16; 2:2, 7-9; Eph 3:7, 8; 1 Tim 2:7; 2 Tim 4:17 Acts 9:15 : Acts 25:22, 23; 26:1, 32; 2 Tim 4:16 Acts 9:16 : Acts 20:23; 21:4, 11; 1 Thess 3:3 Acts 9:16 : Acts 9:6; Acts 14:22; 2 Cor 6:4, 5; 11:23-28 Acts 9:16 : Acts 5:41 Acts 9:17 : Acts 22:12-14 Acts 9:17 : Acts 9:12 Acts 9:17 : Acts 2:4 Acts 9:18 : Acts 22:13 Acts 9:18 : Acts 22:16 Acts 9:19 : Acts 9:9 Acts 9:19 : Acts 26:20 Acts 9:20 : Acts 9:22 Acts 9:21 : Acts 9:13, 14 Acts 9:21 : Gal 1:13, 23 Acts 9:22 : 1 Tim 1:12 Acts 9:22 : Acts 18:28 Acts 9:22 : Acts 9:20
Epistle: Gal. 1:11-24
Paul Called by God
11For(A) I would have you know, brothers, that(B) the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.[a] 12(C) For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it(D) through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13For you have heard of(E) my former life in Judaism, how(F) I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely(G) zealous was I for(H) the traditions of my fathers. 15But when he(I) who had set me apart(J) before I was born,[b] and who(K) called me by his grace, 16was pleased to reveal his Son to[c] me, in order(L) that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;[d] 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18Then(M) after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19But I saw none of the other apostles except James(N) the Lord’s brother. 20(In what I am writing to you,(O) before God, I do not lie!) 21(P) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22And I was still unknown in person to(Q) the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23They only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." 24And they glorified God because of me.
Footnotes:Galatians 1:11 Greek not according to man Galatians 1:15 Greek set me apart from my mother’s womb Galatians 1:16 Greek in Galatians 1:16 Greek with flesh and blood
Cross references:Galatians 1:11 : 1 Cor 15:1 Galatians 1:11 : Rom 2:16 Galatians 1:12 : Galatians 1:1; 1 Cor 11:23; 15:3; Acts 22:14 Galatians 1:12 : Galatians 1:16; 1 Cor 2:10; 2 Cor 12:1 Galatians 1:13 : Acts 26:4 Galatians 1:13 : Acts 8:3 Galatians 1:14 : Phil 3:6; Acts 21:20 Galatians 1:14 : Jer 9:14; 2 Tim 1:3; Matt 15:2 Galatians 1:15 : Acts 13:2; Rom 1:1 Galatians 1:15 : Isa 49:1, 5; Jer 1:5; Luke 1:15 Galatians 1:15 : Galatians 1:6 Galatians 1:16 : Galatians 2:9; Acts 9:15 Galatians 1:18 : Acts 9:22, 23 Galatians 1:19 : Matt 12:46; Acts 12:17 Galatians 1:20 : Rom 1:9; 9:1 Galatians 1:21 : Acts 9:30; 11:25, 26; 13:1 Galatians 1:22 : 1 Thess 2:14
Gospel: Matt. 19:27-30
27Then Peter said in reply, "See,(A) we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" 28Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world,[a](B) when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me(C) will also sit on twelve thrones,(D) judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29(E) And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold[b] and will(F) inherit eternal life. 30But(G) many who are(H) first will be last, and the last first.
Footnotes:Matthew 19:28 Greek in the regeneration Matthew 19:29 Some manuscripts manifold
Cross references:Matthew 19:27 : Matthew 4:20, 22; Mark 1:18, 20 Matthew 19:28 : Matthew 16:27 Matthew 19:28 : Luke 22:30; Rev 3:21 Matthew 19:28 : 1 Cor 6:2 Matthew 19:29 : Luke 14:26 Matthew 19:29 : Matthew 19:16; Matthew 25:34 Matthew 19:30 : Matthew 20:16; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30 Matthew 19:30 : Matthew 21:31, 32
Daily Lectionary
First Reading: Zech. 1:1-21
A Call to Return to the LORD
1In the eighth month,(A) in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet(B) Zechariah, the son of(C) Berechiah, son of(D) Iddo, saying, 2(E) "The LORD was very angry with your fathers. 3Therefore say to them, Thus declares the LORD of hosts:(F) Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and(G) I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. 4(H) Do not be like your fathers,(I) to whom the former prophets cried out, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts,(J) Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.' But(K) they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. 5Your fathers, where are they? And(L) the prophets, do they live forever? 6(M) But my words and my statutes, which I commanded(N) my servants the prophets, did they not(O) overtake your fathers? So they repented and said,(P) As the LORD of hosts purposed to deal with us for(Q) our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us."
A Vision of a Horseman
7On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month of Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet(R) Zechariah, the son of(S) Berechiah, son of(T) Iddo, saying, 8"I saw in the night, and behold,(U) a man riding on a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in the glen, and behind him were(V) red, sorrel, and white horses. 9Then I said, 'What are these, my lord?'(W) The angel who talked with me said to me, 'I will show you what they are.' 10So(X) the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered,(Y) 'These are they whom the LORD has sent to(Z) patrol the earth.' 11And they answered(AA) the angel of the LORD who was standing among the myrtle trees, and said,(AB) 'We have patrolled the earth, and behold, all the earth(AC) remains at rest.' 12Then(AD) the angel of the LORD said,(AE) 'O LORD of hosts,(AF) how long will you(AG) have no mercy on Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, against which you have been angry these seventy years?' 13And the LORD answered(AH) gracious and comforting words to(AI) the angel who talked with me. 14So(AJ) the angel who talked with me said to me, 'Cry out, Thus says the LORD of hosts:(AK) I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion. 15(AL) And I am exceedingly angry with the nations that are(AM) at ease;(AN) for while I was angry but a little,(AO) they furthered the disaster. 16Therefore, thus says the LORD,(AP) I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy;(AQ) my house shall be built in it, declares the LORD of hosts, and(AR) the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem. 17Cry out again, Thus says the LORD of hosts:(AS) My cities shall again overflow with prosperity,(AT) and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again(AU) choose Jerusalem.'"
A Vision of Horns and Craftsmen
18[a] And I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold,(AV) four horns! 19And I said to(AW) the angel who talked with me, "What are these?" And he said to me,(AX) "These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem." 20Then the LORD showed me four craftsmen. 21And I said, "What are these coming to do?" He said,(AY) "These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one raised his head. And these have come(AZ) to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations(BA) who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it."
Footnotes:Zechariah 1:18 Ch 2:1 in Hebrew
Cross references:Zechariah 1:1 : Hag 1:1 Zechariah 1:1 : Ezra 6:14; Matt 23:35 Zechariah 1:1 : 1 Chr 6:39 Zechariah 1:1 : Neh 12:4, 16 Zechariah 1:2 : Jer 2:5 Zechariah 1:3 : Isa 31:6; Jer 3:1, 22; Ezek 18:30; Mal 3:7 Zechariah 1:3 : Jer 12:15; Mic 7:19 Zechariah 1:4 : Psalm 78:8 Zechariah 1:4 : 2 Chr 36:15 Zechariah 1:4 : Zechariah 1:3 Zechariah 1:4 : Zechariah 7:11; 2 Chr 36:16; Jer 35:15 Zechariah 1:5 : John 8:52 Zechariah 1:6 : Isa 40:8; Matt 24:35 Zechariah 1:6 : Dan 9:6 Zechariah 1:6 : Deut 28:2, 15 Zechariah 1:6 : Lam 2:17 Zechariah 1:6 : Ezek 36:31 Zechariah 1:7 : Zechariah 1:1 Zechariah 1:7 : Zechariah 1:1 Zechariah 1:7 : Zechariah 1:1 Zechariah 1:8 : Rev 6:4 Zechariah 1:8 : Rev 6:4, 5, 8; Zechariah 6:2-7 Zechariah 1:9 : Rev 22:6 Zechariah 1:10 : Zechariah 1:8 Zechariah 1:10 : Heb 1:14 Zechariah 1:10 : Zechariah 6:7; Job 1:7 Zechariah 1:11 : Zechariah 1:9 Zechariah 1:11 : Zechariah 1:10 Zechariah 1:11 : Zechariah 1:15 Zechariah 1:12 : Zechariah 1:9 Zechariah 1:12 : Psalm 80:4; 89:46; Hab 2:6; Rev 6:10 Zechariah 1:12 : Psalm 102:13 Zechariah 1:12 : Zechariah 7:5; Jer 25:11; 29:10 Zechariah 1:13 : Jer 29:10, 11 Zechariah 1:13 : Zechariah 1:9 Zechariah 1:14 : Zechariah 1:9 Zechariah 1:14 : Zechariah 8:2; Joel 2:18 Zechariah 1:15 : Joel 3:2 Zechariah 1:15 : Zechariah 1:11 Zechariah 1:15 : Isa 54:7, 8 Zechariah 1:15 : Isa 47:6 Zechariah 1:16 : Zechariah 8:3 Zechariah 1:16 : Zechariah 4:9; Ezra 6:14 Zechariah 1:16 : Jer 31:39; Ezek 40:3; 47:3 Zechariah 1:17 : Zechariah 2:4 Zechariah 1:17 : Isa 40:1; 51:3 Zechariah 1:17 : Zechariah 2:12 Zechariah 1:18 : 1 Kgs 22:11 Zechariah 1:19 : Zechariah 1:9 Zechariah 1:19 : Zechariah 1:18 Zechariah 1:21 : Zechariah 1:18 Zechariah 1:21 : Deut 28:26; Jer 7:33 Zechariah 1:21 : Psalm 75:4, 5
Second Reading: Rom. 14:1-23
Do Not Pass Judgment on One Another
1As for(A) the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2(B) One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and(C) let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4(D) Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master[a] that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5(E) One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike.(F) Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since(G) he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7For(H) none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then,(I) whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9For to this end Christ(J) died and lived again, that he might be Lord both(K) of the dead and of the living.
10Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For(L) we will all stand before(M) the judgment seat of God; 11for it is written,
(N) "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess[b] to God."
12So then(O) each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Do Not Cause Another to Stumble
13(P) Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide(Q) never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus(R) that nothing is unclean in itself,(S) but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15For if your brother is grieved by what you eat,(T) you are no longer walking in love.(U) By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16(V) So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17(W) For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but(X) of righteousness and(Y) peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18Whoever thus serves Christ is(Z) acceptable to God and approved by men. 19So then let us(AA) pursue what makes for peace and for(AB) mutual upbuilding.
20(AC) Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God.(AD) Everything is indeed clean, but(AE) it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21(AF) It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.[c] 22The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God.(AG) Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.[d]
Footnotes:Romans 14:4 Or lord Romans 14:11 Or shall give praise Romans 14:21 Some manuscripts add or be hindered or be weakened Romans 14:23 Some manuscripts insert here 16:25-27
Cross references:Romans 14:1 : Romans 15:1; 1 Cor 8:9-11; 9:22 Romans 14:2 : Romans 14:14 Romans 14:3 : Col 2:16 Romans 14:4 : James 4:12 Romans 14:5 : Gal 4:10; Zech 7:5, 6 Romans 14:5 : Romans 14:23 Romans 14:6 : 1 Cor 10:30, 31; 1 Tim 4:3, 4; Matt 15:36 Romans 14:7 : 2 Cor 5:15; Gal 2:20; 1 Pet 4:2; 1 Cor 6:19; 1 Thess 5:10 Romans 14:8 : Phil 1:20 Romans 14:9 : Rev 1:18; 2:8 Romans 14:9 : Acts 10:42; Rev 20:12 Romans 14:10 : Romans 14:9 Romans 14:10 : 2 Cor 5:10 Romans 14:11 : Phil 2:10, 11; Isa 45:23 Romans 14:12 : Matt 12:36; 16:27; 1 Pet 4:5; Gal 6:5 Romans 14:13 : Matt 7:1 Romans 14:13 : 1 Cor 8:13 Romans 14:14 : Romans 14:2, 20; Acts 10:15 Romans 14:14 : 1 Cor 8:7, 10 Romans 14:15 : Eph 5:2 Romans 14:15 : 1 Cor 8:11; Romans 14:20 Romans 14:16 : Romans 12:17; 1 Cor 10:29, 30 Romans 14:17 : 1 Cor 8:8 Romans 14:17 : 1 Cor 6:9 Romans 14:17 : Gal 5:22; Romans 15:13 Romans 14:18 : 2 Cor 8:21 Romans 14:19 : Psalm 34:14; 1 Cor 7:15; 2 Tim 2:22 Romans 14:19 : Romans 15:2; 1 Cor 14:12 Romans 14:20 : Romans 14:15 Romans 14:20 : Titus 1:15; Romans 14:14 Romans 14:20 : 1 Cor 8:9-12 Romans 14:21 : 1 Cor 8:13 Romans 14:22 : 1 John 3:21
All Scripture Readings: English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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