May 18, 2015

The Acts of the Apostles 19: 1-8

19:1 Now it happened that, while Apollo was at Corinth, Paul, after he had journeyed through the upper regions, arrived at Ephesus. And he met with certain disciples.

19:2 And he said to them, “After believing, have you received the Holy Spirit?” But they said to him, “We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

19:3 Yet truly, he said, “Then with what have you been baptized?” And they said, “With the baptism of John.”

19:4 Then Paul said: “John baptized the people with the baptism of repentance, saying that they should believe in the One who is to come after him, that is, in Jesus.”

19:5 Upon hearing these things, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

19:6 And when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came over them. And they were speaking in tongues and prophesying.

19:7 Now the men were about twelve in all.

19:8 Then, upon entering the synagogue, he was speaking faithfully for three months, disputing and persuading them about the kingdom of God.

The Holy Gospel According to John 16: 29-33

16:29 His disciples said to him: “Behold, now you are speaking plainly and not reciting a proverb.

16:30 Now we know that you know all things, and that you have no need for anyone to question you. By this, we believe that you went forth from God.”

16:31 Jesus answered them: “Do you believe now?

16:32 Behold, the hour is coming, and it has now arrived, when you will be scattered, each one on his own, and you will leave me behind, alone. And yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.

16:33 These things I have spoken to you, so that you may have peace in me. In the world, you will have difficulties. But have confidence: I have overcome the world.”