FIRST READING:
Acts 28: 16 - 20, 30 - 31
16
And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with
the soldier that guarded him.
17
After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews;
and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Brethren, though I
had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers,
yet I was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the
Romans.
18
When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because
there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.
19
But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar --
though I had no charge to bring against my nation.
20
For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you,
since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this
chain."
30
And he lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed
all who came to him,
31
preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ
quite openly and unhindered.
PSALM:
Psalms 11: 4, 5, 7
4
The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven; his
eyes behold, his eyelids test, the children of men.
5
The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, and his soul hates him
that loves violence.
7
For the LORD is righteous, he loves righteous deeds; the upright
shall behold his face.
GOSPEL: John
21: 20 - 25
20
Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved,
who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord,
who is it that is going to betray you?"
21
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this
man?"
22
Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I
come, what is that to you? Follow me!"
23
The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was
not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but,
"If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to
you?"
24
This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who
has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
25
But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one
of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not
contain the books that would be written.
