As a prominent biblical scholar, Elizabeth Johnson, says, “There is a tension between God’s initiative and human responsibility that is not resolved in John’s Gospel (or perhaps in the entire Bible!). It is only with the eyes of faith that one can see the truth concerning Jesus.” The Gospel passage today succinctly describes the tension between Jesus and the Jews. The latter demands: “If you are the Christ, tell us plainly” (v 24). But Jesus retorts, “I told you and you do not believe…” (v 25).

To Jesus, only those who learn from the Father can come to him. The tension of unbelief is not his to resolve. It is in his union with the Father that he sees the meaning of his life and mission. The same must be true for all believers. Faith is ultimately a gift of God. We can open our hearts to this gift that will lead us to the fuller understanding of who Jesus is, or we can refuse the offer of life. The proposal is open to all.

Those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews. There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.