Unstoppable! 'Friends of God Seeking Truth' — Acts 1:1-2

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.
— Acts 1:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

Theophilus? Since Luke and Acts were written for him, shouldn't we know something about him? Most scholars believe he was a wealthy person interested in the story of Jesus — he may have even paid to have Luke and Acts written and circulated. He had a heart for God but needed to know that the story of Jesus was true and that the Christian movement wasn't subversive. Theophilus means “lover of God,” or even more accurately, "friend of God"! We meet all sorts of people like him in Acts. The meaning of his name alerts us that Acts was written not only for him but also for any of us who wants to be a friend of God.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, the eternal and everlasting God, I offer you my heartfelt thanks for inviting me into a tender relationship with you through your grace. You know me. You know my weaknesses and vulnerabilities. You know my strengths and gifts. You know my heartfelt desire to be your friend — to love and honor you with my time, attention, service, and genuine affection. As I read the book of Acts, please open my eyes so that I will know and appreciate you more completely. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 1:1-4
  • John 8:31-32, 14:6

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:1-2 NLT — In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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