6th week in Easter Time, Thursday – 18th May 2023 – Acts 18,1-8; Jn 16,16-20
Household Testimony
In the first reading, Paul leaves Athens and travels to Corinth. The synagogue in Corinth had heard enough from Paul. He was there for several weeks and months to explain to them about how Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. He met some Jews and made friends with them who also practiced the trade of tent-making. At the same time, his message was not equally received by other Jews. They oppose and revile him, and he responds by relieving himself of responsibility for them. Fortunately, some do believe him. First, Stephanus and his family (1 Cor 16,15). Justus not only believes, he offers his home as an alternate meeting place. Crispus, the ruler of the Synagogue, too believes in Jesus with his family. These families provide a testimony against household salvation: the belief that if the head of a household is saved, the rest of the family is automatically saved.
