Unstoppable! 'Savagery and Solidarity' — Acts 8:1-4

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.

A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.

— Acts 8:1-4 NLT

Key Thought

These early believers humble me with their love, solidarity, and commitment. As I read about our persecuted brothers and sisters today, I fear that those of us in more economically and religiously privileged countries have forgotten our suffering brothers and sisters in other places. Take some time to learn about ways to help our persecuted brothers and sisters throughout the world. Consider helping support a child to grow up knowing Jesus, having food, and receiving an education through Compassion International or Rwanda Children. In the face of the savagery in the world, we are still called to be salt and light in a world of decay and darkness (Matthew 5:13-16). If we stay together, the world can come to know Jesus because of our love for each other! (John 13:34-35)

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for the example these early disciples are for us today. Thank you for their solidarity with one another and their commitment to the cause of Christ. During our day, we want to stand together and share the love of Jesus with a broken world. We ask for your power to be poured out on us mightily in our day so we will be your servants to the world. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

12 Related Resources by Heartlight

Genuine Sorrow
Devo: Unstoppable!
"Saul was one of the witnesses [to Stephen's being stoned to death], and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of..."
Saddened and Scattered
Devo: Together in Christ
"Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over..."
The Tumbleweed Phenomenon
Devo: Unstoppable!
"Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over....."
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
Article by Tim Woodroof
Do you feel as if our world has completely changed in its attitude toward faith? Tim Woodroof of Interim Ministry Partners shares the introductory article on changes facing the church today and comparing it to the early church we find in the book of Acts.
See All 12 Related Resources about Acts 8:1-4

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 8:1-4 NLT — Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison. But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 146:5-6
"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Leaping for Joy!' (Lk. 1:41)
"When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby [John the Baptizer] leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'No Barriers Allowed' (Mt. 27:51-53)
"At [the moment when Jesus died,] the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart,....."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Acts 13:38-39
"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from...."

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!