COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Genesis 1:1-5
The universe was created by God out of chaos and darkness through the Spirit's moving over the waters. By his word of command, light was separated from the darkness resulting in day and night. God pronounced the light good. Out of nothing came the universe. Out of darkness came light.

Epistle: Acts 19:1-7
When Paul came to Ephesus, he asked if they received the Holy Spirit. They replied that they never heard of him. Upon further inquiry, Paul learned they received only John's baptism. When Paul explained the preliminary nature of John's baptism, they received Christian baptism and the Holy Spirit by Paul's laying his hands upon them.

Gospel: Mark 1:4-11
Verses 1 to 8 provide the setting for Jesus' baptism: a picture of John, the ascetic, preachin…