The Reunion at the Gates.

Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian faith, stood at the pearly gates, his face radiant with the light of eternity. He had long served as a welcomer of souls into Heaven, his own sacrifice a testament to the power of faith. Countless saints had passed through those gates, each greeted by Stephen's warm smile and words of encouragement.

One day, as Stephen stood vigil, a familiar figure emerged from the blinding light. It was Saul, the man who had once persecuted Christians, the man who had overseen Stephen's own stoning. A wave of confusion washed over Stephen. How could this be? Saul, in Heaven?

Before Stephen could speak, Jesus himself appeared beside Saul, His arm resting gently on the man's shoulder. Saul, now Paul, looked different. His eyes, once filled with anger, now held a deep peace. His face, once contorted in judgment, now radiated humility.

"Stephen," Jesus said, His voice a soothing balm, "I know what you must be thinking. But I tell you, Paul is a changed man. He has preached my Gospel to the Gentiles, endured hardship for my name's sake, and shown the world the transformative power of my love."

Stephen, still reeling from the shock, looked at Paul. Paul met his gaze, a flicker of remorse in his eyes. "Stephen," Paul said, his voice thick with emotion, "I was once blind, but now I see. I persecuted your followers, and for that, I will forever be in your debt. Forgive me, brother."

Stephen's heart softened. He saw in Paul's eyes the sincerity of his repentance, the depth of his transformation. A smile spread across Stephen's face. "Paul," he said, "there is nothing to forgive. You have done more for the Kingdom of God than I could have ever imagined. Welcome, brother, welcome home."

And so, the two men, once enemies, embraced as brothers in Christ, their shared faith uniting them in the eternal glory of Heaven.