What the Apostles Taught

The Jesus Gospel

Sharing the teachings of Jesus that the world would like to ignore.

Paul knew the Old Testament as well as anyone. He knew blasphemers should be put to death. He oversaw the stoning of Stephen because he, Paul, thought Stephen was blaspheming for proclaiming Jesus as Christ. After Paul became a Christian he now realized who the real blasphemers were. He still knew the Old Testament. Why is it we have no record of him ever participating in a stoning again? What changed?

Stephen was one of the first believers. Jesus had taught that to be a son of the Father one needed to pray for those who persecuted them. Stephen must have listened. "While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell on his knees and cried out, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' When he had said this, he fell asleep." Acts 7:59-60

Who would have thought Paul would ever become a Christian? But Stephen prayed to Jesus on Paul's behalf. Maybe divinely led prayer works?

So then, my beloved brethren,
let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak, slow to wrath;
for the wrath of man does not
produce the righteousness of God.

James 1:19-20

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So you still want to get back at your enemy? Paul tells you how.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore

If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21