The readings are available here, or can be searched independently:
ACTS 5:27-32, 40B-41
I want to make an observation about the first reading, specific to the approved Catholic version, the NASB, KJV and NKJV translations of the bible. Notice the text in verse 28, "bring this man's blood upon us".
The context implies that the Sanhedrin do not currently think His blood is upon them, as an issue of guilt. They still believed that they were justified, according to the Law of Moses, in putting Jesus to death because he claimed to be the Messiah. They seem concerned that the words of the Apostles will convince others that the Sanhedrin are guilty.
But, for those who understand that by fulfilling the Passover, the Blood of Jesus has cleansed us in a way that that blood of bulls and goats never could, bringing His blood over them is the only way to forgiveness and righteousness.
Just a thought. On to the Gospel.
It seems sometimes you just need to go to the underlying Hebrew or Greek to really understand what is going on in a story. This is one of those times. This story is typically explained as Jesus offering Peter 3 chances to redeem himself after denying Jesus 3 times.
That's right, but the author goes even further. Notice the "charcoal fire"? That exact term, transliterated as anthrakia, is used in only 1 other place in the new Testament. Do you know where? Hint- people were warming themselves and Peter was denying. See John 18:18. The author wants us to know for certain the juxtaposition.
But the importance of the underlying Greek goes deeper. There are several Greek words, with distinct meanings, that all translate to the English word "love". Eros is the Greek word for erotic love. Phileo is a familiar kind of love, and agape (or agapao) is a stronger, more mature kind of love.
In the exchange between Jesus and Peter, both words are translated to English as "love", although they do not mean the same thing. The first 2 times, Jesus asks Peter if he agapao Jesus. Peter, no longer bragging of his love for Jesus, responds that he phileo Jesus. Peter is acknowledging that his love for Jesus is not the same as Jesus' love for him.
Finally, on the third time, Jesus comes down to Peter's level and asks, Do you phileo me? And Peter responds in kind, with phileo. God knows that we could not come to Him, and that He had to come to us, and for us. Only those of us who allow Him, and receive Him, will ever tabernacle with Him.
- Have you ever promised something to God, then failed to deliver as you expected? Failed to deliver as He expected?
- Did you learn from the experience, or do you still boast before the Lord and others about what you can do?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in your efforts now? Is He an occasional companion? Is He your co-pilot?
- Is the Holy Spirit in the driver's seat of your life? If so, how do you feel about the surrender? How do you feel about the job He is doing? WHO ARE YOU, now that you have surrendered to God's control and direction in your life? Who have you become? Who are you becoming? Do you have any bitterness or resentment about it?
- How comfortable are you with this level of surrender? How do you reconcile the passivity of the passenger seat in your own life with the need for (full, active, and conscious) participation with Him to bring about His will for your life and those around you?
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