Fourth Sunday of Easter

36Verse 36. In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. 37Verse 37. At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room. 38Verse 38. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to urge him, “Come to us without delay.” 39Verse 39. So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 40Verse 40. Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down and prayed, and turning toward her body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41Verse 41. Peter took her by the hand and helped her up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her to them alive. 42Verse 42. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43Verse 43. And Peter stayed for several days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.

9Verse 9. After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 10Verse 10. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11Verse 11. And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. And they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God, 12Verse 12. saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” 13Verse 13. Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,” he asked, “who are they, and where have they come from?” 14Verse 14. “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Verse 15. For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16Verse 16. ‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’ 17Verse 17. For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ”

22Verse 22. At that time the Feast of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23Verse 23. and Jesus was walking in the temple courts in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24Verse 24. So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25Verse 25. “I already told you,” Jesus replied, “but you did not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf. 26Verse 26. But because you are not My sheep, you refuse to believe. 27Verse 27. My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. 28Verse 28. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. 29Verse 29. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30Verse 30. I and the Father are one.”