Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
Gentile Conversion and Baptism
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down(A) on all those who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers[a] who had come with Peter were astounded because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.(B) 46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and declaring the greatness of[b] God.
Then Peter responded, 47 “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”(C) 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.(D) Then they asked him to stay for a few days.
Psalm 98
Praise the King
A psalm.
1 Sing a new song to the Lord,(A)
for He has performed wonders;
His right hand and holy arm
have won Him victory.(B)
2 The Lord has made His victory known;
He has revealed His righteousness
in the sight of the nations.(C)
3 He has remembered His love
and faithfulness to the house of Israel;
all the ends of the earth
have seen our God’s victory.(D)
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah has been born of God,(A) and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him. 2 This is how we know that we love God’s children when we love God and obey[a] His commands. 3 For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden,(B) 4 because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. 5 And who is the one who conquers the world(C) but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?(D)
The Certainty of God’s Testimony
6 Jesus Christ—He is the One who came by water and blood, not by water only, but by water(E) and by blood.(F) And the Spirit is the One who testifies,(G) because the Spirit is the truth.
Christlike Love
9 “As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love.(A) 10 If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love.(B)
11 “I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.(C) 12 This is My command: Love one another as I have loved(D) you. 13 No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life(E) for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn’t know what his master[a](F) is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you.(G) I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask(H) the Father in My name,(I) He will give you.(J) 17 This is what I command you: Love one another.
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