[RCL] Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:7-18; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21 Acts 17:22-31 In our first lesson this week, we are placed in the midst of the story as Paul, traveling from northern Greece (Thessalonica and Beroea) south to Corinth, stops for a few days in Athens. The city is depicted as a hotbed of intellectual…

[RCL] Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14 Acts 7:55-60 Today’s passage from the Acts of the Apostles opens with Stephen, who was previously said to have an angelic or transfigured face (Acts 6:15), gazing into heaven and having a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He voiced…

[RCL] Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10 Acts 2:42-47 Matthias has just been named the twelfth apostle, and Christ has called the twelve into mission. The Holy Spirit has set upon them and they begin their post-resurrection ministry. As the apostles gain believers, small intentional communities begin to form, and the atmosphere…

[RCL] Acts 2:14a,36-41; Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35 Acts 2:14a, 36-41 This is part of Peter’s sermon at Pentecost. After the Holy Spirit has been poured out on the crowd and Peter has told them that Jesus is risen, the crowd asks Peter what they should do about it. What does the…

[RCL] Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31 Acts 2:14a, 22-32 This is part of Peter’s first sermon, given at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit had just come down from heaven and the crowd was in an uproar, yelling that those who had been overcome by the Holy Spirit were actually overcome by…