Deus fecisset | God had done

"When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God." - Acts 21:17-20

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In this passage Saint Paul is being greeted warmly by the community members in Jerusalem who listen to his story and rejoice with him at God's graces. The attitude of both Paul and the elders can teach us how to respond to God's works.

Paul, when recounting of his ministry among the Gentiles, does not boast about his own achievements or seek personal recognition. Instead, he emphasizes what God has accomplished through him. It is not his—human effort but God's grace that bore the fruits. This reminds us that successes in our lives too are the result of God’s grace and guidance. Our cooperation and effort are necessary but ultimately it is God working through us. We should allow him to do that and remain humble in face of the results it brought.

The response of the elders—glorifying God—also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating God’s work in the world. The elders do not react with jealousy, envy, or competition against Paul. Instead, they join Paul in praising God for all the fruits that Paul's work brought. Their reaction again shows us the importance of humility in the face of God's work. It also is not important whether it is me or another person that actually did the work; ultimately what matters is the fruit and the glory of God.

Thus this passage challenges us to reflect on our attitudes toward own and others' successes. Do we just boast at our achievements, forgetting about God's blessings in our life? And further, do we respond with jealousy or competition, or do we join in glorifying God for what He has done in and through others? 

Let's not forget the stories of God’s work in our lives and share them with others—not for self-promotion, but to thank God and to inspire others to recognize God’s presence in their lives too.

Reflection on Acts 21: 17-40 by Agata

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