"Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance and saw Him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.' So I said, 'Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You. And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.' Then He said to me, 'Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.' " Acts 22:17-21
We are reminded here in Acts 22 that Paul (then Saul) was not only present, but complicit in the martyr’s death by stoning of Steven (cf. Acts 8:58). Paul was violently passionate to destroy Christianity. His guilt was massive. But God…
No wonder that Paul was so laden with remorse. But God…
Because God graciously saved Paul, and removed his guilt, he could write:
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1
It is not bad to remember past sins—not for the sake of condemnation, but for the sake of rejoicing in the boundless grace of God. Remembering past sins is a healthy safe-guard from pride, and positive memento of how completely the blood of Christ removes sin, guilt, and shame.
Let our remembrances of sin urge us forward in sanctification and in gratitude for God’s forgiveness. Let us not beat ourselves down for past sins (once they are forgiven). Do not allow the voices of accusers rob us of freedom in Christ. And whatever you do, never join the devil in throwing the past sins of other believers at them.