Were There Bishops in the First Century? Plus More

Episode 130: Year C

In today’s episode, we focus on three details, one per reading for this upcoming 5th Sunday of Easter, Year C. The detail in the first reading, which is Acts 14:21-27, relates to the objection posed by some Protestants that there were no first century rank of bishops but merely elders/presbyters. The second reading, which is taken from Revelation 21:1-5a, includes a detail that isn’t necessarily apologetical in nature, but nevertheless is important as it relates to the Church’s teaching on what’s going to happen to the physical world at the end of time. Finally, the detail in the Gospel reading, taken from John 13:31-33a, 34-35, provides an opportunity to reflect on the necessity of loving actions for salvation.