Today’s Readings – Easter Saturday - First Reading

Commentary on Acts 4:13-21

Today’s passage from Acts continues from yesterday’s First Reading and describes the second half of the ’trial’ of Peter and John before the members of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin are astonished at the self-confidence of the two Apostles, considering that they are uneducated fishermen. They had no training in rabbinic schools, nor did they have any standing in recognised religious circles. They were, in the eyes of their judges, ‘only’ lay people.

It is important to remember that faith and convictions do not depend on learning. It is also clearly implied that the source of their strength and confidence is Jesus. The rulers, elders and scribes:

...when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneduca … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Easter Friday - First Reading

Commentary on Acts 4:1-12

The next stage in the mission of the disciples now takes place—after the proclamation and healing comes the persecution and harassment, as promised by Jesus.

As in the Gospel, we see the contrasting reactions between the Jewish leaders and the people. The … Continue