“At that the whole assembly fell silent.” –Acts 15:12 After St. Peter talked, the whole assembly was silent. This was probably a “dead silence.” Peter had just dropped a bombshell on them, and they were shocked. Peter declared that God no longer made any distinction between Jews and Gentiles (Acts 15:9), that Gentiles were also included in God’s chosen people, and that they didn’t even need to be circumcised. Jesus had clearly made a distinction between Jews and Gentiles (see Mt 7:6; 10:5; 15:24), but said that this would change (see Mt 28:19). Peter stated that the time for the...

“The apostles and presbyters accordingly convened to look into the matter.” –Acts 15:6 What did you eat for breakfast this morning? What did you eat for supper last night? Had the outcome of the meeting between St. Paul, St. Barnabas, and the church in Jerusalem gone differently, you might not be eating bacon or ham in your meals (see Acts 15:29). Your life could be quite different, and perhaps you might not even be a Christian at present, if the Christian leaders in Jerusalem had not followed the Holy Spirit. The discernment of the early Christians was marvelous to behold....

“Do not be distressed or fearful.” –John 14:27 Jesus once said: “Do you think I have come to establish peace on the earth? I assure you, the contrary is true; I have come for division” (Lk 12:51). At that time, Jesus was speaking of rebuilding. He must remove the rotten parts of the foundation so He can build upon a firm foundation. He knows that a foundation built upon lies and rebellion cannot endure. He plans to build firm lives, hearts, marriages, families, parishes, nations, etc. So to those who refuse to live according to His Father’s plan, Jesus brings...

“How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ ” –John 14:9 Jesus became a man to reveal to us that God is not just the Supreme Being and the Creator, but also wants to be our personal, loving Father (see Mt 11:27). Most people in the world don’t believe this. Why would the awesome Creator of galaxies which stretch for billions of light-years decide to adopt us? As far-fetched as this may sound, it is absolutely true. Almighty God wants to be our Father (see Hos 11:4). Jesus, as “the exact Representation of the Father’s being” (Heb 1:3), came to...