An angel miraculously freed the apostles from prison and told them to go to the Temple and resume their teaching (Acts 5:20-21). After Jesus rose from the dead, He spent the afternoon and the evening teaching the Bible to His disciples and apostles (Lk 24:27, 45). After the Church was born at Pentecost, the first Christians devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching (Acts 2:42). "Day after day, both in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news of Jesus the Messiah" (Acts 5:42). The early believers were called Christians for the first time only after Paul taught them "for a whole year" (Acts 11:26). Teaching was a very high priority for the early Church. They even called Jesus "Rabbi," that is, "Teacher" (see Jn 20:16).

We also are called Christians, and we value the teaching of God's word enough to read this Bible teaching book, One Bread, One Body. But do we seek to be taught and to teach God's word to the degree the Lord wants us to seek these? Do we read "the Book," the Bible, more than we read anything else? Do we try to know the teachings of the Church and the Pope? Are we sufficiently devoting ourselves to the apostles' teaching? (see Acts 2:42)

During this Easter season, devour God's word (Jer 15:16). Bathe in it (Eph 5:26). Abide in it (Jn 8:31). Love it.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 10, 1995

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 13, 1995