The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12

The Acts of the Apostles 

Chapter 

12

1. About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. 2. He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. 3. After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.)

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verses 1 to 3)

Oh holy Spirit of God, when the evil one, observes that there is a strong spirit of revival in the Roman Catholic Church, and even much good being done in many churches, this negative force attempts to stop this good from spreading. The devil stops at nothing in order to cause harm and confusion. Such scandals that have taken place in the Roman Catholic Church and cases of abuse and corruption are all happening in order to persuade the believers not to place their trust in priests or even in the Pope and hopefully continue to reduce the number of vocations in he Church and bring it to its end. However as much as there exist the forces of evil, Your Holy Spirit is always there protecting us like a hen protects its chickens.


4. When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 5. While Peter was kept in prison. the church prayed fervently to God for him.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verses 4 to 5)


Oh God, You told us that power has special powers, strong enough to move mountains. More0ver, You promised us that when two or three are praying together You are present in their midst. Therefore, let us unite as one power station of prayer and offer our prayers, for Pope Francesco, new and dynamic vocations, strengthened families and moreover a new revival of faith. 


6. The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. 7. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell of his wrists.

 (Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verses 6 to 7)


As in the case of Peter, we are all bound by the chains of our sins. However these chains that can be an addiction, and maybe even a misconception about You oh God and what You expect of us during our life on earth. These chains worldly chains can be broken at any time You want to my God and Father and be replaced with spiritual chains that bind us as Your prisoners forever. However as prisoners of God, we are not restricted as in the case of Peter but are free to do all that You want us to do.


8. The angel said to him, "Fasten your belt and put on your sandals." He did so Then he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me".

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verse 8)


Oh God even during stressful situations You still give value to human dignity and decency. On appearing to Peter the angel did not tell Peter that he was free and to get out of there as fast as possible even without clothes or sandals. You instructed Peter to put on cloak and mantle thus giving him back his dignity as Your servant, thus giving him the permission to upgrade his status, from that of a prisoner, to that of a free person in the control of Your Holy Spirit. Therefore during moments of tribulation You also care for our human dignity and help us to preserve it, for an important, part of our dignity is that of being Your sons and daughters.


9. Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel's help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 


(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verse 9)


Many times it happens my God and Father that You intervene in my life, and it appears to good to be true. At that moment in time I simply cannot believe that it is due to Your intervention, however at other times I realize that was had happened at the time was an answer to a prayer. A typical is scenario is what happened on the 23rd of February. Malta had been experiencing a drastic lack of rainfall, so much that the archbishop of Gozo decided to organize a pilgrimage in prayer to God to send us the needed rain. On the 23rd, Malta was enveloped by a mist that on having, cleared served as irrigation water that was pure and gentle on the land. You answered to our prayer. The next day a gale force came which also is under Your control in order to enable the needed rain. However, the rain that is needed most is that of Your Holy Spirit so that You can renew our spirits and our faith in You my God and Father.


10. After they had passed the first and second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. 11. Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."


(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verses 10 to 11)


At times oh God my Father we see one problem after another being solved one after each other without our intervention, one gate starts being opened after another. A typical example is when I used to experience 'Irritable Bowel Syndrome', which was a great barrier for me. When You healed me, it was one gate being opened, when You found me my current Job was another gate being opened, when You solved, the issue with the insurance, regarding the car accident that I was involved in was aother intervention, and when You gave me faith, my call to faith and the mission to share these prayers online by means of this blog was another big gate being opened. I thank You oh God for intervening with such love and care. Thank You Jesus.   


12. As soon as he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many had gathered and were praying.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verse 12)


Oh God my Father what a precious gift You gave us when You gave us Your Mother. In her we also find consolation and refuge even though many prefer to refer to You instead of her. In Your presence oh God my Father I acknowledge You as my Father and Your Mother Mary as being also my Mother.


13. When he knocked at the outer gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. 14. On recognizing Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate.


(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verses 13 to 14)


Oh  God with You all things are possible, there is no force or gate or any other barrier that can withstand Your presence, however when we are alone as in the case of Peter who without the aid of the angel was left behind another outer gate, the situation was totally different. Peter needed the response of others for the outer gate to be opened. Oh God I thank You for the many gates and opportunities that You gave me throughout my life, and even for those gates that have remained closed to this very day for my own good.  I thank and praise Your name oh Jesus.


15. They said to her, "You are out of your mind! But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel."

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verse 15)


Oh God many times we are hindered from believing in You and Your message as found in the Bible, due to many biases, such as personal bias, gender bias as in the case of the Apostles and many other biases. With reference to biases in our lives and the strong impact they have on our decision-making processes please click on the following link:-


Biases in our lives


16. Meanwhile Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the gate, they saw him and were amazed.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verse 16)


Oh God as in the case of Peter You are also knocking on the doors of our heart. At times You find us in a good mood and willing to accept You and take You at Your word, however at other times we decide to be stupid and stubborn and leave You knocking at our doors until Your knuckles are bleeding from knocking. However even though at may take time before we answer the door, You never ever give up on us and stop knocking on our door.


17. He motioned to them with his hand to be silent, and described for them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he added, "Tell this to James and to the believers." Then he left and went to another place.


(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verse 17)


Oh God we dearly need to be silent for we live in a very noisy world. Many people are going around with head phones on their cell phones. When doing so we shut out all forms of communication both human and spiritual. Therefore we need to spend some time in quiet in order to reflect on our spiritual life with You and how we live it with others which also reflects our level of relationship with You. Amen.


18. When morning came, there was no small commotion among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19. When Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he examined the guards and ordered them to be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verses 18 to 19)



When Herod realized that he had been fooled. This oh God made him ashamed and angry so much that he left Judea and went to Caesarea. However even though this seems to be a purely human intervention oh God Your hand was at work throughout the process. The worst part of this episode is that Herod experienced anger management issues so much that he vented his anger on the guards who were with Peter and condemned them to death. Oh, Jesus, I pray even for myself that during moments of anger I do not vent my anger on others but use anger management skills and retreat in prayer to help me regain inner peace, love and relationship with both You and those who may have made me angry. Amen


As a means of help in the management of this powerful feeling of anger I invite you to click on this link which refers


Practical anger management skills


20. Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him in a body; and after winning over Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for a reconciliation, because their country depended on the king's country for food.


(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verse 20)


Again oh God my Father we witness Herod who was again put to the tests, facing conflict and anger with his people at Tyre and Sidon. By moving to a different place, leaving one wife in order to move in with another man's wife we think, that we are going to solve the problems in our relationship, however if the problem is from our side as in the case of King Herod the issue, will remain with us until, we work on it and destroy it or else it will destroy us.


21. On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat on the platform, and delivered a public address to them. 22. The people kept shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a mortal!" 23. And immediately, because he had not given the glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.


(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verses 21 to 23)



Oh God my Father before Herod because they were greatly influenced by his address, and because they needed his approval for their daily livelihood which may have been their main agenda for commenting as they did, the people said that these words were those of a god. When they saw You in such a state of pain and agony whipped and butchered they also yelled but to have You crucified. Today we are faced with the same decision. Who are we going to choose. Herod, the media with all its manipulation and public influence, politicians and lawyers who try to influence us by their public appearances, the market that offers us products that can perform super things on the package and then end up faulty and we end up manipulated by the terms and conditions or are we going to choose You my God? The day has come to make a serious and committed choice amen. If we had to make a sincere vote at a polling booth for general election whom would we vote for:-


King Herod
(The World)

Kings of Kings
Jesus Christ

Whoever we choose to keep in mind that the battle between good and evil is still raging in our world but Jesus will always be the winner and Satan will always be the looser. Praise be to God!

24. But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents. 25. Then after completing their mission Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem and brought with them John whose other name was Mark.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12 verses 24 and 25)

On having ended their mission Barnabas and Paul headed back to Jerusalem which was the headquarters of the Apostles. During our times, we have the Roman Catholic Church who has its 'headquarters ' at the Vatican. As one body the parts communicate with the head that is driven by the Holy Spirit of God in the person of the Pope Francesco.


Oh God I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:



God my Father we are bombarded by many messages. The media influences many of our choices and so does politics and the world of finance and economics as the social trends, norms and values and even beliefs which at times may be pagan that we are being exposed to. I pray oh God that you give us the light of wisdom and discernment in order to make the right choices and choose You over the world Amen.

The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11

The Acts of the Apostles 

Chapter 

11

1. Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticised him. 3. saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?"

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 1 to 3)


Oh Holy Spirit of God I thank You for never denying anybody of Your Holy presence. If there is someone who creates such barriers to Your mighty presence is us believers, who may think that Faith in You is something private or something that is reserved only for Roman Catholics! This is a great mistake on our part, one that we must be careful not to make, for by means of such an error, we are blocking the conversion and salvation of many non-Christians and this, goes against Your plan for our salvation.


4. Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5. "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance, I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7. I also heard a voice saying to me, 'Get up, Peter; kill and eat,'8. But I replied, 'By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 9. But a second time the voice answered from heaven, 'What God has made clean, you must not call profane.' 10. This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11. At that very moment three men from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 4 to 11)


Oh God as in the case of Peter at the time that he received Your vision he did not understand its meaning, however when the time to give testimony arrived, You gave him all the answers and filled in the missing pieces  of the jig-saw puzzle. Throughout our daily life, and even in the life and history of the Roman Catholic Church many decisions were made and are being made that may be misunderstood, however in time all the clouds will be cleared and all our questions will be answered.


12. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house, 13. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; 14. he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.'

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 12 to 14)


Oh Jesus how much I wish that I am so close to You at all times, so much that I can live my life according to the promptings of Your Holy Spirit. I honestly pray for this today. I am aware that if I am to be totally led by Your Spirit, I will be led to areas and people whom I do not know, and even situations that I am not aware of, where Your presence and message of salvation are both missing. I invite all the readers at this moment to sing with me this prayer to the Holy Spirit of God. 


Prayer to the Holy Spirit


15. And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16, And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said. 'John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.' 17. If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?"

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 15 to 17)


Oh God, it seems that one of the gifts of Your Holy Spirit helps us to remember Your Word at the right time, for a good purpose and with a good intention. I was not aware of this. I thank You for this understanding oh God. Now I understand that when we talk about You, it is Your Spirit that is really talking and not me, my memory or myself.


18. When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, "Ten God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verse 18)


Oh God, You have opened the doors to welcome all who desire to believe in You. If this was not so Christianity would not have come to Malta as according to Your will by means of the Apostle Paul. I thank You, my God, for permitting us to be included in the list of nations and countries who were planned to receive You and Your Message of Salvation. I also pray for those nations who are aware of You but for the time being do not believe in You. As in the case of Ecumenicism we are to respect the beliefs of others and others are to respect our belief in You. 


19.Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verse 19)


Oh God even to this very day those who believe in You are still being persecuted and have had to flee from their country of origin at the risk of their life. However, oh God persecution does not weaken our faith but strengthens it especially when keeping in mind that our cause is just and valid and that after these moments of persecution Your salvation awaits us.


20. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who. on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. 

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 20 to 21)


Oh God, You speak and work in ways that we can either predict or fully understand, As in the case of these believers who fled as a result of persecution, You choose to intervene on our behalf by means of anybody and any situation, in order to have Your message spread. Moreover, You are able to change what appears to be a negative situation into a positive one on our behalf.


22. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; 24. for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord.


(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 22 to 24)


Oh God, we are also to be happy as a Church when we hear positive news of conversions in the Roman Catholic Church or in relation to a major issue. If You would like to be informed about such positive updates and share the joy of the Good News I invite you to click on the following link and subscribe freely to the following link: -The Christian Post


25. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26. and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians".

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 25 to 26)


Oh God, I thank You for making changes in our plans so that Your will be done. If Paul had resisted Barnabas in favor of his own agenda, the people of Antioch would not have benefited as much as they did. Moreover, this day is very important for us, for on this day our name as 'Christians' was born.


27. At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. 29. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; 30. this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.


(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 verses 27 to 29)


Oh God during the times of the Apostles there was a world -wide famine. During our times, there are still famines in the world and the Roman Catholic Church generously turns on us believers to contribute financially both in kind and in active presence towards countries experiencing such situations. Many Youths go to share this experience doing missionary work, however, the greatest need that is being felt in the world is also of a spiritual nature. We are famished for Your presence oh God. Even if we do not admit it, we need You more than the money we earn, more than our luxuries, more than our careers, more than ever before. 

Therefore, I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:

Oh, Jesus. God my Father I pray to You sow the seeds of new vocations in the hearts of our sons and daughters, for indeed we are hungry and thirsty for You and Your presence more than ever. A lot of theories and beliefs are being spread and atheism is on the increase. We are living in a world that is becoming more scientific and less spiritual. Therefore, I pray that You renew our souls with a revived spiritual fervour so in all our circles so that we can continue to spread Your message throughout all the world. I pray that we become more aware of our vocation as missionaries with the obligation of spreading the faith by both actions and words Amen.

The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10

The Acts of the Apostles 

Chapter 

10

1. In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. 2. He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. 

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 1 to 2)

Oh God my Father You can be the God of all who accept You as being their God, even those people as in the case of this centurion who was a soldier in the Roman Empire. May we all be like this person who not only believed himself but also encouraged his household to stay firm in the faith, even though if he was caught the consequences might have been negative both for himself and even for his family. Oh God I pray for all Fathers of many families such as myself, that we do our utmost to keep our families in the faith, even though we may appear to be old fashioned when compared to the trends of the current period.

3. One afternoon  at about three o'clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius." 4. He stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" He answered, " Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial  before God.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 3 to 4)


Oh God if anyone  thinks that our prayers to You are a waste of time because we pray a lot but get a few replies, one must stop and consider if what we are praying is good for us or not. On the other hand we need to consider that God  does not have only our interests but also that of others. If I am praying for a change in employment maybe to work as a waiter, there might be a waiter who wants to work as a call agent. In order to make the transfer of job possible one has either to quit or be sacked for the other to take his place and this obviously takes time. Therefore we need  to pray for the gift of patience until God's plans  unfold.


5. Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; 6 he is lodging with Simon, a tanner,  whose house is by the seaside. "

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verse  5)


On reflecting oh God You can also send others to refer to us by means of others. May we always be tools in Your hands oh God. Amen.


7. When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks of those who served him, 8. and after telling them everything, he sent them to Joppa.

(The Acts of  the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 7 to 8)


As in the case of Abraham in the old Testament without being aware we might being hospitable to angels or people with a good name as in the case of the devout soldier. You also chose those who were devout to You as in the case of the Apostles, Moreover You also chose us and sent us on a mission of salvation both for ourselves and even for others. As Christians or Roman Catholics we are each others angel with the role of helping each other in their spiritual life.


9. About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10. He became hungry and wanted something to eat; and while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 13. He saw the heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners. 12. In it were all kinds of four-footed creatures and reptiles and birds of the air. 13. Then he heard a voice saying, "Get up, Peter; kill and eat." 14. But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean." 15. The voice said to him again, a second time, "What God has made clean, you must not call profane."

(The Acts of  the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 9 to 15)


Oh God by means of these verse You have brought together the teachings of the Old Testament as found in the Book of Genesis face to face with the Acts of the Apostles that is in the New Testament period. By means of Peter's vision and his hunger pangs, You updated Your teachings. At times as in the case of Peter we  feel comfortable living according to our old ways, however You are telling us to take hold of our Bibles in light of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and download a new service pack. This may not be easy to adjust to, for old habits die hard as in the case when we used to receive You in our mouth instead of on our hands. As a consequence there were some who experienced psychological problems until they accepted the fact that they were permitted to hold You in their hands before they receive You. I pray oh God that You give me the courage to admit my errors and apologise for any misconception that I might have thought and said and be ready to admit our mistakes. Amen


16. This happened three times, and the thing was suddenly taken up to heaven.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verse 16)


According to Joseph who was given the gift of interpreting dreams once a vision or dream happened three times it was already in progress, therefore this was actually taking place. This is the time for us to evaluate our lives and put a stop to any false belief that is hindering us from living as whole persons. 


17. Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon's house and were standing by the gate.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verse 17)


Oh God at times we do not understand the meaning behind actions that take place in our lives. As in the case of Peter while in the situation we remain perplexed and without words, however knowing our mental limitation as humans and our strong motivation to rationalise everything You are teaching us not to waste our time in reasoning out the situation but to accept and obey Your will even if at the time the reality seems to be a bit fuzzy, for what we do not understand at that time You will reveal to us later on when the time is right.


18. They called out to ask whether Simon, who was called Peter was staying there. 19. While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Look, three men are searching for you. 20. Now get up,  go down, and go with them without hesitation; for I have sent them."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 18 to 20)


Oh Father Your Spirit is one of action indeed ans surely not a passive one. When living a life led by Your Spirit one is always on the go as in the case of Peter and my others. In two verses meaning verses 18 to 20 there is a barrage of verbs that are associated with action and speed. These are the following:- Look; Now; get up, go down, go with them, without hesitation!


21. So peter went down to the men and said, "I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for your coming?

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verse 21)


Oh Peter indeed You are walking in the foot steps of Jesus. When in the garden of Gethsemane the guards came looking for Jesus who fearlessly admitted which of the men he was and gave the guards the opportunity to take him without showing the least sign of resistance, while Peter had already his hand resting on his dagger. However this time Peter was prepared for the event by the power of the Holy Spirit who showed him the good intents of the messengers of Joppa. During moments of dilemma the same Holy Spirit illuminates our intellect by making us aware of any trap that we might be heading into amen.


22. They answered, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house to hear what you have to say." 23. So Peter invited them in and gave them lodging. The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the believers from Joppa accompanied him

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 22 to 23)


Oh God that we may be always ready to open our hearts to dwell in so that we can welcome and accept the good news of Your Salvation. I would never prefer a better place than to find a lodging with You oh Jesus! May I always be open to receive the never ending bounty of the messages found in the Bible Amen.


24. The following day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verse 24)


Oh God and Father, what great faith did Cornelius have, so much that it empowered him with the gift of perseverance and generosity. Not only had he benefited from believing in You but he also wanted to share the wonderful experience of believing in You with others who were close to him such as family and friends. 


25. On Peter's arrival Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, worshipped him. 26. But Peter made him get up, saying, "Stand up; I am only a mortal."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 25 to 26)


Oh God our praise and worship is to be given only to You and not to material goods or people. It is the case that worship is being given to parts of the body such as feet and even apparel such as shoes. In such cases worship is given to both the user and the article, which should be given to You Amen. On the other hand we are to be careful for  even our children can be a source of worship and attention that may outweigh the love and attention given to You my God and Father.


27. And as he talked with him, he went in and found that many had assembled; 28. and he said to them, "You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean. 29. So when I was sent for, I came without objection. Now may I ask why you sent for me?"

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 27 to 29)


Oh God by means of these verses You gave me another lesson in not being judgemental or ever showing any form of discrimination, for as in the vision of Peter you told him not to call profane anything that You have made clean.  Therefore when somebody asks us to help him or else we happen to meet somebody who needs our help even if the person is of a different religion or country we are not to hold back our support. Amen.


30. Cornelius replied, "Four days ago at this very hour, at three o'clock, I was praying in my house when suddenly a man in dazzling clothes stood before me. 31. He said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32. Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon, who is called Peter; he is staying in the  home of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.' 33. Therefore I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. So now all of us are here in the presence of God to listen to all that the Lord has commanded you to say."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 30 to 33)


Oh God at times to understand what You say to my heart is not always possible. You speak by means of different people and situations and at times I cannot connect one message with another and as in the case of Cornelius would need more clarification. 


However, I thank You for giving me the understanding by means of the father where I confess my sins and the good counsel that You give me by means of this instrument in Your hand for he helps me to understand my dilemmas, Moreover I still thank You for these messages, for when I am at peace with myself in a spirit of prayer even after time has passed You explain to me the meaning of such events and messages and then I realise what You had planned for me, and why certain events happened.   


34. Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35. but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 34 to 35)


Oh God this is one quality that i love You more for. Showing no partiality means that You are biased against nobody regardless of ones belief. You welcome everybody whether the person is a Muslim or from any other religion. If a person shows belief in You and lives according to Your ways this is acceptable to You my God.


36. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ-he is Lord of all.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verse 36)


On reflecting Your message contained a simple message that is not impossible to live. If it were so, You would not have given it to us. What makes it difficult and challenging to live Your Message of peace and love, is that as humans we are clothed with a body that if left to its own ways, without any form of restriction or control it will rebel and go against Your Ways. By default we are all sinners, however where it not for Your grace and loving mercy and the power of Your Holy Spirit our chances of salvation would be non existent, for although we wish to live according to Your ways, our sinful nature as in the flesh is in constant war or struggle with our spirit which is Your Holy presence that dwells in us.


37. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40. but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41. not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 37 to 41)


Oh God my Father this is also the creed that I believe in, the message that as a Roman Catholic I am bound to preach to others so that they also receive the faith and gift of the Holy Spirit, if they accept You in their lives. This is the main aim of my sharing this blog, so that others may read, reflect and believe in Your word not in mine and ultimately receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.


42. He commanded  us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 42 to 43)


Oh Jesus this is also my creed and the message that I am duty bound to deliver to others. Everywhere I go I am a loaded gun ready to deliver the message of the Gospels. I thank You oh Jesus for all the people that You permit me to meet so that I can discuss in a friendly environment Your love and the wonders that You perform in our lives. While I was at the clinic yesterday You permitted me to meet a couple who are 'born again Christians' although we did not agree on all the issues we still agreed on Your love and the power of Your healing grace.


44. While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46. for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said,

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 44 to 46)


Oh God how caring and loving You are! You do not show partiality in favour of Roman Catholics and discrimination against those who do not yet know You. You generously and lovingly give the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who desire it.


47.  "Can anyone wit-hold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" 48. So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 verses 47 to 48)


Oh Jesus You do not make any discrimination among those worthy to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit or not. This is such a wonderful gift, that we all should pray for regardless of our creed. Amen


Oh God Almighty I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer while also by clicking on the following link which directs us to a prayer to the Holy Spirit


Prayer to the Holy Spirit:-



Oh God my Father in name of all the world and all its nations regardless if they believe in You or not I pray that today You anoint the world with a renewed baptism. The baptism of the Holy Spirit, so that You may come and dwell in our hearts. I also pray that this blog will continue to spread throughout the world so that others can experience You and Your healing word. May You disinfect the Internet from all forms of malicious site and bless each server, so that all will proclaim Your Name and be blessed Amen.










  




























    

The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9

The Acts of the Apostles

 Chapter 9

1. Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the LORD, went to the high priest. 2. and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 1 to 2)

Although You Holy Spirit never stops working oh God, the negative spirit of evil is also always at work trying to win over one soul after another. This spirit is so bold that it even tries to wager with You oh God as in the case of Job, whom You love so much.

While on this issue I would like to share this song that although has been labelled as being of a Satanist nature has a positive value that we can benefit from if viewed from the perspective that You oh God are always victorious over the forces of evil!

The Spanish Train


3. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5. He asked, "Who are you Lord?" The reply came, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 3 to 6)


Oh God You are so merciful, that You intervene in our lives during precious moments when we are about to perform our biggest mistakes as in the case of Paul. Just at the right moment You pull the hand break so that we can make the U turn leading to our conversion. Although it seems to be that You blinded Paul, but in truth You replaced physical sight with the sight of faith which made him more receptive to accept Your will.


7. The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 7 to 9)


At the beginning of the time of our conversion we need the help and support of others to help us on our way. As in the case of Paul God provides such people. At the time the eyes of faith will start opening and after a time according to the will of God You give us full spiritual sight by which God can have fellowship and relationship with us. In relation to how God works in our live especially during times of persecution I would like you to click on the following link:-

The experience of two ex Muslim girl converts


10. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord," 11. The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, 12. and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 10 to 12)


At the right moment oh God You send us people who act as beacons of light to guide us in our ways. Your invitation to change our ways may take on a variety of forms, such as an invitation from a Charismatic Renewal follower to attend a meeting or from any other organisation, a family member or friend and many other means that may not be all that positive, such as an accident or the death of a friend or family member.


13. But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; 14. and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 13 to 14)


I can only imagine the fear of Ananias. If the leaders of ISIS was to experience the same conversion of St. Paul and come to Malta to be baptised and become a priest or a bishop or even a Pope, I can imagine the panic that we would experience as humans and as Roman Catholics along with the security that would be on red alert.


15. But the Lord said to him, "Go for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; 16. I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 15 to 16)


Oh God even though St. Paul persecuted You through Your followers still You forgave him and brought out the goodness in him by choosing Paul of all people as a means of spreading the 'Good News" of Your Kingdom throughout the world of his times.


Oh God I also thank You for having chosen me to spread Your Word throughout the world of my times by means of this blog via the Internet. Even though I have committed many mistakes throughout my life, both in the past and in the present, You still have mercy on me and help me to continue spreading Your Word as found in the Bible.


17. So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit". 18. And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19. and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with them in Damascus, 20. and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."

(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 17 to 20)


As in fishing, one needs to be at the right place, and at the right time. I thank You my Father for sending such people as Ananias at the right time. On going back and even very recently I remember the many people that You sent to help me in this daily journey of my salvation. When I had almost lost faith in the human race, while I was at a shop buying cheese cakes, I met a man who had experienced healing by means of the Eucharist and we ended up talking on the great wonders that You have done in our lives. This man felt so much at home during our brief conversation that he gave me a card and invited me to attend an Eucharistic group which is also available on line live streaming.


On reflecting on verses 17 to 19 it seems that You fed the Apostle Paul spiritually as much as physically for after having spent some days with the other apostles he also started proclaiming Your name.  I thank You Jesus for these 14 years of praying on Your Word. As You know this is our fourteenth year of praying on Your Word. Throughout these years You have been feeding and nourishing me with all the necessary vitamins. I pray that my immune system against my own evil self will continue to be boosted throughout the course of time. Amen.


21. All who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?"

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verse 21)


Oh God as much as You had not escaped the judgemental attitude of humanity when You were called a drunk, likewise we also cannot avoid being labelled. On witnessing the changes that You have done in us, others have the option of either remembering us for our new self that has been renewed in You or by our previous sinful acts. The choice is in that of the eye of the beholder.


22. Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verse 22)


Oh God when we offer ourselves for your service You can use us to achieve great things, that we have never ever thought of doing. We are instruments in the hand of God who is able to do anything at any time.


23. After some time had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24. but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night so that they might kill him; 25. but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 23 to 25)


Oh Jesus how unpredictable we are, when Paul was on the wrong track capturing Christians he had all the support of the Jews of his time, now that he had converted to accepting You as his Lord and God they were totally against him so much as wanting to kill him. The same case happened to You. On entering Jerusalem the people called out hallelujah to the son of David, the same people later on cried for you to be crucified. Indeed we are not reliable or either to be fully trusted. I pray oh Jesus that You cure me of my negative ways and make me more consistent and reliable on both a human and spiritual level. Amen.


26. When he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.

(Acts of the Apostles chapter 9 verse 26)


Oh Jesus at times the image we project reflects who we really are and others judge us by what they see and hear. Even though You make radical changes in us, others still tend to focus on our negative side. Moreover fear also plays a key role in accepting others as they are especially those of us, who had a negative background such as Paul. Oh God I pray that we learn to accept others and love them as they are and not as we wish them to be. Amen.


27. But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how om the road he had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verse 27)


Oh Jesus how I wish that I had people such as Barnabas who would recommend me as being a good person to proclaim Your Gospel. I also wish that this blog had Papal Acceptance and Approval. This would mean alot to me, even if I had to be recommended to have audience with the Pope himself.

28. So he went in and out among them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29. He spoke and argued with the Hellenists; but they were attempting to kill him. 30. When the believers learned of it they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 28 to 30)


Oh God since the beginning You had different plans for Your servant Paul. It was evident that Your pathways are different from ours. It seems that You did not permit Paul to remain with the rest of the apostles but in other areas. At times it is time to move on for a new beginning in different areas of life.


31. Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verse 31)


Oh God this is also my prayer that as Christians and Roman Catholics we continue to be formed and experience spiritual growth for at times I think that we have reached a point of stagnation. Many people give me the impression that they are outwardly Christians however when it comes to sensitive issues such as divorce and marriage which effect us directly we are Christians or Catholics no longer. Oh God I pray for a spiritual revival so that we can all continue to grow in spirit and be built and even increase in genuine numbers as in the case of the churches of Judea, Galilee and Samaria.


32. Now as Peter went here and there among all the believers, he came down also to the saints living in Lydda.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verse 32)


It is interesting oh God that Peter addressed the group of new believers as already being saints. Moreover You gave us a calling to be holy, therefore it follows that we are all saints. I thank You oh God for giving us this dignity as being Your Sons and Daughters amen.


33. There he found a man named Aenas, who had been bedridden for eight years, he was paralyzed. 34. Peter said to him, "Aenas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed! And immediately he got up. 35. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 33 to 35)


As in the case of Aeneas we may be spiritually bedridden for years. We may think that we are progressing in our spiritual life, however we may be spiritually bedridden stuck on a particular issue.


36. Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 36 and 37)


Oh God as much as we care for the body by providing a place of rest at the point of death, You care more by providing us a place of rest both for the body and better for the soul, which is more important than the body. I thank You for caring so much as to have reserved us places in our heavenly home Amen.


38. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." 39. So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 38 to 39)


Oh God every day of my life You give me a different calling by means of others and by means of situations that You wish me to experience. I applied for the job of a social worker but for the millionth time You showed me that it is still not yet the time and that maybe I may be hurt by the experience because I am still not ready to experience such an occupation. I realise that I have enough stress on my mind and the added demands may have been more stressful than rewarding, therefore I thank You from the bottom of my heart for my not being accepted Amen.

40. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up."

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verse 40)


Oh Jesus every day of our lives You also look at us and call us by our names pleading on us to wake up from the way we are living. You ask us to wake up from our dream of worldly illusions and false hopes and become conscious of the reality that we have a loving Father who is dying to welcome us in his arms if only we accept Him as our Father. He asks us to get up and start living instead of existing, being a pawn in the machinery of society. You oh God offer us the dignity of being true sons and daughters but we prefer to be slaves of our thoughts, emotions and social trends! How blind we are.

41. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 42. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.

(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 verses 41 to 42)

Oh Jesus every day You offer us Your helping hand in order to give us new life, however we do not always accept it for, at times we prefer to follow the ways of the world. However You love us so much that Your hand always remains outstretched and available for us. The hand of salvation is always there for anybody, even though as sinners we do not merit it. This is what I call pure love oh God.

I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:

Oh God my Father, may You give us a spirit that is welcoming to those new comers to the Roman Catholic Faith meaning Christianity so that they may feel respected and at home, even though they may have been members of different religions. These people and others who are not yet Christians are sill are brothers and sisters and we are to treat them likewise. Oh God I also pray that You raise us from our death, for at times we think we are fully alive, and on reflecting we discover that we are still enslaved by particular sins that are blocking us from being fully alive as humans and also as Christians or Roman Catholics. Without knowing we may be living a lifestyle that is inferior to what we are supposed to be living.