Unstoppable! 'Disturbed' — Acts 4:1-4

Friday, February 23, 2024

Merry Christmas!

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

 Read More
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000.
— Acts 4:1-4 NLT

Key Thought

Our verses today remind us that there are two very distinct reactions to the message about Jesus. Some are disturbed by the message of Jesus while others are delighted with it. Many of the same leaders responsible for Jesus' crucifixion were disturbed that his followers proclaimed Jesus and his resurrection. Those leaders arrested and imprisoned Peter and John for their proclamation of Jesus' message. The leaders wanted to be rid of Jesus and his movement. They thought they had snuffed it out completely with Jesus' death. These hostile leaders had yet to learn that nothing could stop the Good News of Jesus and his resurrection! He was alive and at work in his passionate people — and still is. His message, his promises, his power, and his resurrection made their work UNSTOPPABLE!

Today's Prayer

O Father, thank you for the example and testimony of Jesus' early disciples. I know that many in the world choose not to believe. They reject the message of Jesus' resurrection and his unique role as Savior. However, I believe that Jesus is your Son and that for his life on this earth, he was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary, lived a life in human flesh like me, did amazing things for your glory to show love to those who were broken, gave his life on the cross for my sins, and rose from the dead to conquer death for all who believe in him. Thank you, Father. Thank you! Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 15:1-9
  • Acts 4:12; John 14:1-6

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, February 23, 2024

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'No Debt Except . . .' (Ro. 13:8-10)
"Dear Father, senior partner in my business, Help me get completely out of debt and stay out! Let me follow your word, "Owe no man anything! . . ...."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Mark 10:21
"You have not the making of your own cross, although unbelief is a master carpenter at cross-making; neither are you permitted to choose your own..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Acts 2:23
""[Jesus] was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.""
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Christians Wield Great Power in Their Words'
"I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth will have...."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 4:1-4 NLT — While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000.

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.

More Unstoppable!