Theme: God is our Shepherd and guide. In the First Lesson, the church appointed deacons to look after the needs of the church members. They were undershepherds, under the leadership of the apostles. In the Second Lesson, Peter states: "For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls" (v. 25). In the Gospel, Jesus describes himself as the Shepherd and door to the sheepfold.

COMMENTARY

Epistle: Acts 2:14, 36-41
(Look at Lesson 1 for Easter 3)

Epistle: Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60
The idealistic picture of the Jerusalem Church is beginning to show a crack or two. The Hellenistic Jews complain that the needs of their people are being neglected. The apostles decide to appoint seven men to tend the physical needs of the community. These ar…