Unstoppable! 'The Transformative Power of an Encourager' — Acts 9:26-27

Sunday, May 18, 2025

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When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

— Acts 9:26-27 NLT

Key Thought

In the face of the Jerusalem believers' distrust of Saul, what sweet words: "Then Barnabas..." — sweet because they introduce Barnabas' intercession and his defense of Saul. Barnabas' real name was Joseph; originally he was from Cyprus. The apostles gave Joseph the nickname of Barnabas — "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). Nearly every time we run into Barnabas in the book of Acts, he is helping, encouraging, and reclaiming someone for the cause of Christ. Wow! What a reputation. What a legacy. Let's commit to continue his legacy by becoming more like him. In a world of complaining and whining, let's be the people doing the encouraging!

Today's Prayer

O Lord, thank you for Barnabas and his track record of living with grace toward others. Holy Spirit, give me wisdom and develop your fruit in me so that I can be a generous person and an encourager like Barnabas. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 4:34-37, 9:26-27, 11:22-26, 13:1-3, 15:36-39; Galatians 2:11-14; 1 Corinthians 9:6; Colossians 4:10
  • Galatians 5:22-23

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 9:26-27 NLT — When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

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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