Be Careful

"But one of them, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law highly respected by the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin.  He ordered the men to be taken outside for a few minutes and then he spoke to the assembly

'Fellow Israelites, consider, well, what you intend to do to these men.  For some time ago, Theudas came forward, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him.  But he was killed and all his followers were dispersed or disappeared.  After him, Judas, the Galilean, appeared, at the time of the census and persuaded many people to follow him.  But he, too, perished; and his whole following was scattered.  So, in this present case, I advise you to have nothing to do with these men.  Leave them alone.  If their project or activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.  If, on the other hand, it is from GOD, you will not be able to destroy it; and you might indeed, find yourselves fighting against GOD.'

The Council let themselves be persuaded.  They called in the apostles and had them whipped; and ordered them not to speak again of JESUS, the Savior.  Then they set them free.

The apostles went out from the Council, rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer disgrace for the sake of the Name.  Day after day, both in the temple and in people's homes, they continued to teach, and to proclaim, that JESUS was the Messiah." - Acts 5:34-42

(Gamaliel was one of the most renowned among the masters of the law.  Here we see the open mind of this old Jewish teacher who knows that GOD's ways are not always the ways of humans.

If their project or activity is of human origin.  JESUS had said something similar [Matthew 15:13].  Yet that does not seem evident.  Are we not aware of many false doctrines that last?  If they have lasted for centuries, perhaps it is due to the fact that in spite of the error and the evil they sow, they contain useful or necessary principles  for a given time, or for certain human groups.  Perhaps they make very important statements that the Church should proclaim but cannot or does not want to do.  Experience shows that the majority of humans are not ready to embrace the Christian faith: must GOD abandon them because of that?  Can we, who have CHRIST, say with certitude that such and such a one is not "the prophet."  Maybe GOD's will is that he be the prophet of a certain group and help them in their searching for GOD [Acts 17:27].

Gamaliel was Paul's teacher in Jerusalem for doubtless three or four years, a little after these events [Acts 22:3].  Paul's conversion will be providentially prepared through contact with this open and sincere man, and equally so through the death of Stephen [7:54-60].)

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The FATHER Loves The SON

"HE who comes from above is above all; he who comes from the earth belongs to the earth, and his words belong to the earth.  HE who comes from heaven speaks of the things HE has seen and heard; HE bears witness to these things, but no one accepts HIS testimony.  Whoever does receive HIS testimony acknowledges the truthfulness of GOD. 

The one sent by GOD speaks GOD's words, and gives the Spirit unstintingly.  The FATHER loves the SON and has entrusted everything into HIS hands.  Whoever believes in the Son lives with eternal life; but he who will not believe in the Son will never know life, and always faces the justice of GOD." - John 3:31-36 

(Always faces the justice of GOD.  Those who do not recognize the Son of GOD remain in the situation humanity was in when expelled from Paradise.  If they are not able to receive the witness of "GOD the Son who is one with the FATHER," they will never solve the contradictions in their lives or in the world in which they live; and they cannot but mistrust GOD.)

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The Angel Of The LORD Opened The Doors

"The High Priest and all his supporters, that is, the party of the Sadducees, became very jealous of the apostles; so they arrested them and had them thrown into the public jail.  But an angel of the LORD opened the door of the prison during the night, brought them out, and said to them, 'Go and stand in the temple court and tell the people the whole of this living message.'  Accordingly, they entered the temple at dawn and resumed their teaching.

When the High Priest and his supporters arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin, that is the full Council of the elders of Israel.  They sent word to the jail to have the prisoners brought in.  But when the temple guards arrived at the jail, they did not find them inside; so they returned with the news, 'We found the prison securely locked, and the prison guards at their post outside the gate; but when we opened the gate, we found no one inside.'

Upon hearing these words, the captain of the temple guard and the high priests were baffled, wondering where all of this would end.  Just then, someone arrived with the report, 'Look, those men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple, teaching the people.'  Then the captain went off with the guards and brought them back, but without any show of force, for fear of being stoned by the people." - Acts 5:17-26 

(Could this confrontation of the apostles with the rulers of the people be similar to what happens today in many countries when the Church denounces violations of human rights? 

There are many Christians who say: it is not the same, since the apostles in their time were persecuted for proclaiming JESUS; whereas now, only Christians involved in politics are punished.

This, however, is not true.  In JESUS' day, the Jewish people were both dominated and divided.  JESUS spoke as a totally free man, teaching a way towards freedom, which today we would call non-violent action.  The authorities did away with HIM to defend the security of their nation [John 11:48] and their own political system.  For the disciples of JESUS, to be converted meant to acknowledge complicity with those who put JESUS to death and to take the path indicated by HIM.  Since they were living among oppressors and resentful people, this was a very dangerous road [Luke 21:12-16].

In fact, when the priests judged Peter and John, they only demanded that they break away from this man [JESUS] whom they had legally condemned.

Proclaiming JESUS means preaching universal reconciliation [Ephesians 2:14], which is achieved at all levels of human life, including the economic and political.  The Church would not be following CHRIST, nor would it be proclaiming JESUS as the only Savior [verse 31], if it refused to be concerned that entire nations are condemned to die slowly through lack of food, education, and health.  This critical concern, however, would not be Christian preaching if it did not convince us to believe in the saving plan of GOD.)

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Humble Yourselves

"In the same way, let the younger ones among you respect the authority of the elders.  All of you must clothe yourselves with humility, in your dealings with one another, because GOD opposes the proud but gives HIS grace to the humble.

Bow down, then, before the power of GOD, so that HE will raise you up at the appointed time.  Place all your worries on HIM, since HE takes care of you.

Be sober and alert, because, your enemy, the devil prowls about, like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Stand your ground, firm in your faith, knowing, that our brothers and sisters, scattered throughout the world, are confronting similar sufferings.  GOD, the giver of all grace, has called you, to share in CHRIST's eternal glory, and after you have suffered a little, HE will bring you to perfection: HE will confirm, strengthen and establish you forever.  Glory be to HIM forever and ever.  Amen.

I have had these few lines of encouragement, written to you by Silvanus, our brother, whom I know to be trustworthy.  For I wanted to remind you of the kindness of GOD, really present in all this.  Hold on to it.

Greetings from the community in Babylon, gathered by GOD, and from my son, Mark.

Greet one another with a friendly embrace.  Peace to you all who are in CHRIST. - 1 Peter 5:5-14 

(In persecution Peter also sees a work of the devil, who does his best to discourage those who hope in CHRIST.

It is a proven fact that when we get ready to make an important decision or to make some commitment in the service of CHRIST, many unexpected obstacles arise.  The person who becomes intimidated loses everything.  When he tries again to take some step, the devil will increase his attacks.  These trials are common and to face them we need to be alert in our faith.

To remind you of the kindness of GOD.  This kindness, or grace, means GOD's whole plan to save us, all that came to us through CHRIST.

Babylon: in the language of the Christians of the time indicates "the great city," the center of pagan religions, namely, Rome [see Revelation 17].  Rome already has a community, the Church, at the time that Peter writes.)  

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All Were Filled With The Holy Spirit

"As soon as Peter and John were set free, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and elders had said to them.

When they heard it, they raised their voices as one, and called upon GOD, 'Sovereign LORD, maker of heaven and earth, of the sea and everything in them, YOU have put these words in the mouth of David, our father and YOUR servant, through the Holy Spirit: Why did the pagan nations rage and the people conspire in folly?  The kings of the earth were aligned; and the princes gathered together against the LORD and against HIS Messiah.

For indeed, in this very city,  Herod, with Pontius Pilate and the pagans, together, with the people of Israel, conspired against YOUR holy servant, JESUS, whom YOU anointed.  Thus, indeed, they brought about whatever YOUR powerful will had decided, from all time, would happen.  But now, LORD, see their threats against us; and enable YOUR servants to speak YOUR word with all boldness.  Stretch out YOUR hand, to heal, and to work signs and wonders, through the name of JESUS, YOUR holy servant.'

When they had prayed, the place where they were gathered together shook; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of GOD boldly." - Acts 4:23-31 

(We can meditate on the way this church gathering develops: an event [the arrest] is shared by all.  For them this confrontation with the authorities is something new.  They connect what had happened with the word of GOD.  In this case they refer to Psalm 2; then they begin common prayer and ask for courage to continue to do GOD's works.)

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They Devoted Themselves To Breaking Bread

"They were faithful to the teaching of the apostles, the common life of sharing, the breaking of bread and the prayers.

A holy fear came upon all the people, for many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  Now, all the believers lived together, and shared all their belongings. They would sell their property, and all they had, and distribute the proceeds to others, according to their need.  Each day, they met together, in the temple area; they broke bread in their homes; they shared their food, with great joy and simplicity of heart; they praised GOD and won the people's favor.  And every day, the LORD added to their number, those who were being saved." - Acts 2:42-47 

(Those who have been baptized feel strongly united by the new faith and long for a communal life.  As they gather in private houses and the communities are not too big, they can know each other and share everything.

Luke tells us what they did and we must note the order of priorities:

- first the teaching of the apostles

- then comes Christian fellowship, with more attention to the weak [Chapter 4]

- only then may the breaking of bread, that is, the Eucharist, be celebrated

- finally common prayers of thanksgiving to prolong the Eucharist.

In some communities today life is lacking because the first point, which is the basis for all the rest, is not given priority.

The Spirit of JESUS comes to us through the Word and the Eucharist: these are the sources of the Church's dynamism.  By the Word, we do not mean the study of the Scriptures merely to know the Scriptures.  Scripture helps us realize how GOD continues to speak to us through the actual achievements of our life, the community and the world.

The expression breaking of bread could mean any Jewish meal that began with a blessing.  But very early the Christians reserved this word for reference to the Eucharist that they celebrated remembering the last supper of the LORD [Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16].

Joy and simplicity of heart gave witness to the change in their lives and the authenticity of their fraternal sharing.  They were deeply reconciled persons.

It was not the naive joy that is easily found in Christian groups who have no thought for the problems of the world.  Neither they nor their enemies could ignore that JESUS had taken on the problems of national reconciliation.  They were enjoying the favor of the people who considered them to be concerned and responsible persons.) 

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They Did Not Believe

"After JESUS rose early on the first day of the week, HE appeared first to Mary of Magdala, from whom HE had driven out seven demons.  She went and reported the news to HIS followers, who were now mourning and weeping.  But when they heard that HE lived, and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

After this HE showed HIMSELF in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. These men also went back and told the others, but they did not believe them.

Later JESUS showed HIMSELF to the Eleven while they were at table.  HE reproached them for their unbelief, and hardness of heart, in refusing to believe those who had seen HIM after HE had risen.

Then HE told them, 'Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation." - Mark 16:9-15 

(In verse 8 there is an abrupt ending to Mark's Gospel.  We were looking forward to the meeting between JESUS and apostles in Galilee, but it does not take place.  Why?  We do not know.  We find only a series of brief references to JESUS' appearances after HIS resurrection.

Proclaim the Good News to all creation.  The Good News is the seed that will be planted in the world and will flourish, in its proper time, in every field of human endeavor.  Salvation is not a matter of saving isolated souls or individual beings.  The Gospel is to be proclaimed to all creation in all activities and acts of those who have been renewed by baptism.  They are to be the yeast that transforms human history.)

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They Laid Hands On Peter And John

"While Peter and John were still speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them. They were greatly disturbed, because the apostles were teaching the people, and proclaiming that resurrection from the dead had been proved, in the case of JESUS.  Since it was already evening, they arrested them and put them in custody until the following day.  But despite this, many of those who heard the Message, believed; and their number increased to about five thousand. 

The next day, the Jewish leaders, elders and teachers of the law assembled in Jerusalem.  Annas, the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of the high priestly class were there. They brought Peter and John before them; and began to question them, 'How did you do this?  Whose name did you use?'

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke up, 'Leaders of the people!  Elders!  It is a fact, that we are being examined today for a good deed done to a cripple.  How was he healed?  You, and all the people of Israel, must know, that this man stands before you cured, through the name of JESUS CHRIST, the Nazorean.  You had HIM crucified.  But GOD raised HIM from the dead.  JESUS is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.  There is no salvation in anyone else; for there is no other Name given to humankind, all over the world, by which we may be saved.'" - Acts 4:1-12 

Peter And John Before The Jewish Leaders

(The Jewish leaders judge Peter and John.  The Holy Spirit judges the leaders of the Jews.

These leaders believe they possess the truth because they are learned and have authority.  It is impossible for them to back down before ordinary men who refute their statements.  Meanwhile Peter points out how strange it is to be arrested for having healed a sick man.

These leaders were Sadducees and they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead [Acts 23:6].

This text suggests that all of us can be the witnesses of CHRIST and of the truth, if we are determined to be involved.  Oftentimes, because we only rely on our own strength instead of counting on the Spirit of CHRIST, we remain silent before our co-workers or our leaders.)  

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It Is I MYSELF

"Then the two told what had happened on the road to Emmaus, and how JESUS had made HIMSELF known, when HE broke bread with them.

While they were still talking about this, JESUS HIMSELF stood in their midst.  (HE said to them, 'Peace to you.')  In their panic and fright they thought they were seeing a ghost, but HE said to them, 'Why are you upset, and how does such an idea cross your minds?  Look at MY hands and feet, and see that it is I MYSELF!  Touch ME, and see for yourselves, for a ghost has no flesh and bones as I have!'  (As HE said this, HE showed HIS hands and feet.)

Their joy was so great that they still could not believe it, as they were astonished; so HE said to them, 'Have you anything to eat?'  And they gave HIM a piece of broiled fish.  HE took it, and ate it before them.

Then JESUS said to them, 'Remember the words I spoke to you when I was still with you: Everything written about ME in the law of Moses, in the prophets and in the psalms must be fulfilled.'  Then HE opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

And HE said, 'So it was written: the Messiah had to suffer, and on the third day rise from the dead.  Then repentance and forgiveness in HIS name would be proclaimed to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  And you are witnesses of these things." - Luke24:35-48 

(JESUS was reborn to a glorious life from the day of HIS resurrection.  HE was already in the FATHER's glory, 'but wanted to be with HIS disciples on various occasions in order to convince them that HIS new condition was not a lesser life, or something ghostly, but rather a super life.

In this chapter we put in parentheses some words or sentences that do not appear in many ancient manuscripts and which perhaps have been added later.

JESUS uses these encounters to clarify the meaning of HIS brief and intense mission for HIS apostles.  HE saves us from sin, which means nothing less than reordering history to resurrect humankind.

Everything written about ME in the law of Moses, in the prophets and in the psalms must be fulfilled.  What the prophets announced, about a savior who would be rejected by HIS people and take the sin of HIS people upon HIMSELF, had to be fulfilled.  What sin?  Everyone's sins, of course, but also the violence of the whole Jewish society at the time of JESUS.  This was the sin that brought HIM to the cross.

As a matter of fact, this way of death and resurrection was not reserved only for JESUS, but for HIS people also.  In that precise period, Israel, subject to the Roman Empire, had to accept the death of its earthly ambitions: autonomy, national pride, the religious superiority of the Jews over other people... in order to rise as the people of GOD scattered among nations and to become the agent of salvation.  A minority took the way JESUS pointed out and this was the beginning of the Church.

Repentance and forgiveness.  Christian conversion is not passing from one party to another, from one religious group to another: it is a recasting of the person.  Persons are part of a society, a world, a history.  Therefore the preaching to the nations means also the education of the nations and even international society.  This is something that takes longer than ten or a hundred years.

You are witnesses of these things.  JESUS calls HIS apostles to be the official witnesses of HIS Gospel and those who judge authentic faith.) 

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What I Do Have I Give You

"Once when Peter and John were going up to the temple, at three in the afternoon, the hour for prayer, a man, crippled from birth, was being carried in.  Every day, they would bring him and put him at the temple gate called 'Beautiful;' there, he begged from those who entered the temple.

When he saw Peter and John on their way into the temple, he asked for alms.  Then Peter, with John at his side, looked straight at him and said, 'Look at us.'  So he looked at them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, 'I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you: In the name of JESUS of Nazareth, the Messiah, walk!'

Then, he took the beggar by his right hand and helped him up.  At once, his feet and ankles became firm, and, jumping up, he stood on his feet and began to walk.  And he went with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising GOD.

All the people saw him walking and praising GOD; they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were all astonished and amazed at what had happened to him." - Acts 3:1-10 

(We might sometimes think that JESUS cured all the sick.  This is not true, since HE did not heal this cripple who was in the temple every day.  This new sign brings about another proclamation.)

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