Bible Study: Easter 3 (C) – May 4, 2025

RCL: Acts 9:1-6, (7-20); Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19

Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)

Reflecting on Saul’s conversion, I’m moved by the depth of God’s grace that meets him even amid hostility. Saul’s experience on the road to Damascus is a powerful reminder that God’s transformative call can penetrate even our greatest resistance and blindness. I recognize my own moments of spiritual blindness—times when my prejudices or assumptions prevented me from truly seeing Christ in others. Saul’s healing through Ananias also highlights the necessity and beauty of Christian community, emphasizing that God’s transforming work often involves the care and ministry of others.

• In what ways do you relate to Saul’s experience of spiritual blindness, and where do you sense God’s invitation toward deeper understanding?
• How might God be calling you to participate in the spiritual transformation of others, just as Ananias did for Saul?

Psalm 30

Psalm 30 speaks directly to my experience of moving from despair into hope. The psalmist’s journey from mourning to dancing echoes my own story of experiencing God’s healing and restoration amid personal difficulty. It reinforces my conviction that resurrection is not only a historical event but also an ongoing reality experienced through God’s continual renewal in our lives. Reflecting upon this psalm deepens my awareness that God’s faithful presence is consistently transforming sorrow into joy, despair into gratitude.

• When has God transformed your mourning into joy, or despair into hope? How has that shaped your faith journey?
• How might seeing resurrection as an ongoing spiritual reality affect the way you respond to future moments of difficulty or despair?

Revelation 5:11-14

The scene in Revelation stirs my imagination, painting a powerful picture of universal praise for the resurrected Christ. The multitude of voices—heavenly beings, humanity, and all creation—reminds me of the cosmic significance of Easter. This vision challenges me to broaden my understanding of worship, recognizing it not simply as a personal practice, but as participation in the joyful celebration of Christ’s victory that spans all creation. It also pushes me to consider how my discipleship can reflect Christ’s universal lordship through compassionate care for the world.

• How does imagining yourself as part of this cosmic worship gathering expand or challenge your current practices of worship?
• Given this vision of universal redemption, what practical actions might you take to align your daily life more closely with God’s redemptive purposes?

John 21:1-19

Reading John’s account of Jesus’ resurrection appearance on the shore evokes deep gratitude in me for Christ’s persistent willingness to offer restoration. Jesus’ gentle questioning of Peter after Peter’s painful denial feels profoundly personal, revealing a savior who meets us exactly in the spaces of our greatest regret and vulnerability. The threefold repetition of “Do you love me?” not only reinstates Peter but also provides him with clear direction—“Feed my sheep.” For me, this narrative is an encouraging reminder that restoration and forgiveness lead directly into mission and responsibility.

• Can you recall a moment when Jesus met you compassionately in your own places of regret or failure? How did this encounter renew your sense of purpose?
• In practical terms, what might feeding Jesus’ sheep look like in your current circumstances or community?

Quincy Hall is a seminarian at Bexley Seabury Seminary.

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