Teach you everything

Today's Scripture

In the last few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about what the Apostles and early Christians went through to establish what we, if we are honest with ourselves, take for granted today. A printed Bible, a Liturgy with readings and song and prayer, Sacraments.

In the Acts of the Apostles, just before the Apostles decide to ordain Stephen and his companions as deacons to help with distribution of food, the Apostles recognize that they have a very important functions in those times and say: “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table." The footnote to that passages says: "The essential function of the Twelve is the “service of the word,” including development of the kerygma by formulation of the teachings of Jesus."

They were participating in the very thing that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would do: "He will teach you everything and remind you of everything I have told you." The Apostles who were gathering daily were focused on hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. They didn't have a written Bible, they were thinking of how they would relay the stories of all that Jesus was among them to the people. The weren't worried about writing the Gospels, they were planning for how they would tell the Gospels.

From these conversations, we will eventually receive the content of the New Testament. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, what we read in the New Testament is exactly what Jesus wanted us to remember of what He said. He said and did many other things, which we might learn about in heaven, but these are not essential for us now. What is essential is that we immerse ourselves in His Word so that we might come to know all that He would share with us. Your reading of this is a good start - spread the word, encourage others to spend time in The Word, just as you have been doing.