Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Paul’s Defense before the Jews
Dear Friends,
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (21:37-40; 22:1-5):
Just as Paul was about to be taken into the compound, he said to the cohort commander, “May I say something to you?” He replied, “Do you speak Greek? So then you are not the Egyptian who started a revolt some time ago and led the four thousand assassins into the desert?” Paul answered, “I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; I request you to permit me to speak to the people.” When he had given his permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people; and when all was quiet he addressed them in Hebrew,
“My brothers and fathers, listen to what I am about to say to you in my defense.” When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew they became all the more quiet. And he continued, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city. At the feet of Gamaliel I was educated strictly in our ancestral law and was zealous for God, just as all of you are today. I persecuted this Way to death, binding both men and women and delivering them to prison. Even the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify on my behalf. For from them I even received letters to the brothers and set out for Damascus to bring back to Jerusalem in chains for punishment those there as well.”
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What a wonderful sunny day we had yesterday and it was warm in the afternoon. I thank the Lord for this very great day.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior, the Son of God, given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Believe that I have great power My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who have seen so many miracles take place. I work miracles every day and you will see them if your eyes are open or your ears are ready to listen. Saint Paul is one person on whom I performed a great miracle. At the beginning he was completely against Me and he wanted to destroy My Church. He had many believers arrested and thrown into prison. He gave his consent for the murder of Saint Stephen, the first martyr of the Church. However, one day I knocked him of his horse and I spoke to him. He was blinded by the bright light and only after his baptism was he able to see again. I am ready to perform many more miracles to show you that I am alive and that I have what is called divine power.
“My brother Melvin, you wore glasses for about 20 years and you could hardly see without them. One day in Africa, early in the morning, I healed your eyes and you could see. On that day you threw your glasses away and up to today you have never used them. This year is the 36th year that you threw them away. I have performed many miracles in all the countries of the world because I love you all and I want you all to be close to Me for I am your Savior. I bless you all.”
Father Melvin