Reading from the Apostles and the Gospel of April 24

In those days some of those fleeing from the persecution which had been unleashed after Stephen's death reached Phenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch; But they preached the gospel only to the Jews. However, there were also some Cypriots and Cyrenes among them, and when they arrived at Antioch, they began to address the Greeks and preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus to them. As the Lord's hand was with them, many repented and embraced the faith.

When this news reached the Christian community in Jerusalem, Barnabas was sent to Antioch. Barnabas came and saw the work of God's grace, and rejoiced exceedingly; Being a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, he exhorted everyone to be firm in their purpose and faithful to the Lord. Thus the multitude was won for the Lord.

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul; When he saw it, he took it to Antioch. They both lived in that community for a whole year and taught many people. There, in Antioch, the disciples first received the name “Christians.”

►You may also be interested in: This is what an angel actually looks like according to the Bible

Bible.jpg

Reading the Holy Gospel according to Saint John

John 10, 22-30

In those days, the dedication of the temple was celebrated in Jerusalem. It is winter. Jesus walked through the Temple, under Solomon's Hall. Then the Jews surrounded him and asked him: “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? Tell us clearly if you are the Messiah.

Jesus answered them: “I told you already, and you did not believe me. The works that I do in my Father's name testify about me, yet you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; No one will take them away from me. My Father gave them to me, and He is above all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father's hand. Father and I are one.”