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What is Jesus saying here?
Saul in his zeal had been mercilessly persecuting
the newly founded religion called Christians. He is first mentioned in
Acts 7:58-59 where he gave his approval for the stoning to death of the
first Christian martyr, Saint Stephen.
Acts 8:1-3, "Now there broke out on that day a great
persecution against the CHURCH
in Jerusalem, and all except the Apostles were scattered abroad throughout
the land of Judea and Samaria. And devout men took care of Stephen's burial
and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was harassing the CHURCH;
entering house after house, and dragging out men and women, he committed
them to prison."
Acts 9:1-5, "But Saul, still breathing threats of
slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and
asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, that if he found any
men or women belonging to this Way (a word used for Christianity), he might
bring them in bonds to Jerusalem. And as he went on his journey, it came
to pass that he drew near to Damascus, when suddenly a light from heaven
shone round about him; and falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying
to him, "Saul, Saul, why
dost thou persecute me?" And
he said, "Who art thou Lord?" And He said, "I
am Jesus whom thou art persecuting.""
Elucidation...
1. Who is Saul persecuting in Acts 8:1-3?
It is the CHURCH as
mentioned twice in those three verses.
2. Then why does Jesus Christ say, "Why
dost thou persecute me?" Instead
of 'Why dost thou persecute My Church'?
It is because we are the body and He is the head of His Church. Whatever
happens to the body is registered in the head. Isn't that true?
3. Therefore, whenever someone persecutes the Catholic Church, the body,
they are persecuting the Head also, Jesus Christ Himself.
"For I am the least
of the Apostles, and am not worthy
to be called an Apostle because I persecuted the CHURCH
OF GOD." 1Cor 15:9
"For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism; how beyond
all measure, I persecuted the CHURCH
OF GOD, and ravaged it."
Gal 1:13.
"As regards zeal, a persecutor of the CHURCH
OF GOD." Phil 3:6
"I give thanks to Jesus Christ our Lord, who has
strengthened me, because he counted me trustworthy in making me his minister.
For I formerly was a blasphemer, a persecutor and a bitter adversary; but
I obtained the mercy of GOD because I acted ignorantly, in unbelief."
1Tim 1:12-13
"Do not be
a stumbling block to Jews and Greeks and to the CHURCH
OF GOD."
1Cor 10:32
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