The Holy Priest-Martyr Therapontus (254-59)
Acts 19:1-8; John 14:1-11
Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat
Read Acts 19:1-8
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
In today’s reading, we hear how Paul found some disciples who were baptized “into John’s baptism” but who had not “so much heard whether there is a Holy Spirit” (Acts 19:2-3). Reasoning with them, Paul explained that even John taught that those he was baptising should believe in One greater than him Who is coming after him. John the Baptist prophesied saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, Whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptised you with water, but He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit” (Mk. 1:7-8). The baptism into which these disciples were initially baptised was different from baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist’s baptism of repentance is honourable, but it is incomplete. Repentance can drive us away from sin, but salvation comes through being joined to Christ and vivified by the Holy Spirit Who can restore us from corruption. Paul understood that it was crucial for these disciples to be baptised into Christ and receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
In order to evangelise, Paul needed to boldly “reason” and “persuade” “concerning the things of the kingdom of God” (Acts 19:8). This does not mean that spreading the gospel is about winning intellectual arguments. However, faith and reason do not oppose each other. Paul did not hesitate to tell the disciples in today’s reading that their baptism by John was different from Christian baptism and explain why. Then he spoke boldly in the synagogue for three months, patiently sowing seeds of faith before continuing on with his ministry elsewhere.
How well do we know our faith and are convinced in what we claim to believe? Are we equipped to boldly yet patiently share our beliefs with others and offer an account for them?