Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk

When the Jerusalem community sent Barnabas to Antioch he was deeply impressed by what he found. Many Gentiles there were ready to accept Jesus as Lord.

When the Spirit descended on a Roman centurion and his entourage, it became clear to Peter that Gentiles could–indeed should–be baptized.

We all owe God for his goodness challenging us to continuous thanksgiving. Indeed we owe more than we can ever give back to God.

Philip fled to Samaria and began to preach the gospel there with great success. The Samaritans found the gospel of Jesus appealing and accepted it joyfully.

After the martyrdom of Stephen a persecution broke out in Jerusalem. The persecution had outcomes different than anybody could expect. 

Stephen’s faithfulness to Jesus cost him his life. Our discipleship too, will have a cost which will somehow involve faithfulness to the Lord.

Stephen did not intend to cause trouble, but to give witness to the gift of salvation brought by Jesus. He was found to have the gift of preaching and miracle working.