Scripture Study for

In Acts, the gospel proclamation radiates from Jerusalem,  eventually reaching Rome. Just previous to this passage, we read  that persecution in Jerusalem has scattered the disciples “throughout  the countryside of Judea and Samaria” (8:1). Philip, one of the seven  “deacons” chosen in last week’s reading, finds himself among the  Samaritans, a people long estranged from Jews. His preaching of  the Jewish Messiah, accompanied by healings and exorcisms, leads  nevertheless to many being baptized. This might be considered  something of a reconciliation between Jew and Samaritan, and  therefore a sign of the kingdom of God. The effect of the baptisms is  completed with the bestowal of the Holy Spirit through the ministry  of the apostles.

The letter of Peter supports persecuted Christians in their struggle  to remain faithful to Christ. Echoing one of the Beatitudes, the  apostle reminds his audience that they are blessed who suffer because  of righteousness (3:14). Righteousness means, among other things,  responding to hostility as did Christ, the Lord of their hearts: with  peace and gentleness. The animosity they face for being Christians  constitutes a temptation to respond in kind, a temptation that should  be resisted, lest they act with a bad conscience and do evil. Those  who suffer for Christ can be strengthened by the reminder that he  too suffered and although he died “in the flesh,” he now lives “in the  Spirit.” His followers can expect the same.

The Last Supper discourse continues with Jesus’ promise of the  Spirit. He has just assured the apostles that he will not abandon them  but will return to take them to the Father (see last week’s Gospel).  Now he promises them that in the meantime, he will send “another”  Advocate, suggesting that the Spirit will do for them what Jesus did.  And indeed the Spirit is a Spirit of truth, as Jesus himself is the truth  (14:6). He then reverts to his promise to return, using language that  emphasizes the mutual indwelling of Christ and his followers. It is  on the basis of this indwelling that the followers are commanded to  love Jesus, and thus be loved by the Father and by Jesus. To those who love, God the Father and the Son will be revealed.