Board index ‹ Paul the Apostle

[Gargoyle]

That's my question: Did Paul ever ask forgiveness for persecuting Christians?

[jimwalton]

Not that is explicitly mentioned. In 1 Timothy 1.13 & 16, he mentions the grace and mercy he was shown. He doesn't specifically tell us, however, who the source of that grace and mercy was. Obviously it was at least God, but it wouldn't be out of the question to assume that he was shown grace and mercy by Christians also, who welcomed into the group (Acts 9.19b). Because of his teaching (2 Cor. 2.5-8; 7.9 and others) we can also presume he asked for forgiveness. He obviously felt genuinely and deeply regretful and repentant for his persecution of the church.

His baptism in Acts 9.18 would involve an attitude of repentance (Acts 2.38; Mark 1.14). It's hard to imagine the disciples in Damascus would welcome him so readily (Acts 9.19b) without some words of apology and repentance, but none are specifically written for us.

When he went to Jerusalem shortly after his conversion (Acts 9.26ff.), the disciples were afraid of him, and rightly so. Again, we are not told that he ever asked their forgiveness for persecuting Christians, but it's awfully hard to believe he didn't. Confession of sins was very much a part of Judaism, and Paul, having been a Pharisee, would be well aware of the Law, his sin, and the Levitical commands to confess.