Unstoppable! 'Who Was I to Stand in God's Way?' — Acts 11:15-17

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

[Peter explained why he baptized Cornelius and those with him:] "The Holy Spirit fell on them... Then I thought of the Lord's words when he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God's way?"

— Acts 11:15-17 NLT

Key Thought

God orchestrated many divinely guided events - visions, angels, messengers, direct commands - to make as clear as possible that Cornelius and his household, all Gentiles, were to be included in his family of faith. Luke wanted to be certain that his readers get the message also: He told the events twice, once in chapter 10 and then again in chapter 11 as Peter recounted the events for the apostles and other believers in Jerusalem (Acts 11:1-4). The coming of the Holy Spirit was the final and convincing testimony of heaven that Cornelius, his relatives, and his friends were to be included in the Christian family and should be baptized (Acts 10:44-47). Peter wasn't about to stand in the way of God!

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive us - forgive me - when we stand in the way of your release of grace, love, and mercy because you pour out those blessings on people we don't expect to be worthy of them or ready for them. Tune our hearts to see your work among people we could never imagine coming to follow Jesus. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Who Was I to Stand in God's Way?
Devo: God's Holy Fire
""As I began to speak," Peter continued, "the Holy Spirit fell on [Cornelius and his household], just as he fell on us at the beginning. Then I thought of the..."
The Spirit Fell on Them!
Devo: Unstoppable!
""As I began to speak [to Cornelius, along with his family and friends]," Peter continued, "the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the..."
Discovering the Character of your Church: 'Are' Values or 'Should' Values?
Article by Tim Woodroof
How do we get down to our true values? Tim Woodroof talks about the values of churches and distinguishes between the values that are and the values that churches feel like they should have.
Surely!
Article by Phil Ware
A hardened elite soldier in Rome's army comes face-to-face with the Son of God. Phil Ware looks at the Centurions in the New Testament and reminds us that they often believed in Jesus.

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 11:15-17 NLT — [Peter explained why he baptized Cornelius and those with him:] "The Holy Spirit fell on them... Then I thought of the Lord's words when he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God's way?"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, June 25, 2025

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Under the Influence' (Ep. 5:18)
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Paul's Reasons for the Road'
"Dear Beloved Disciple, Paul had many reasons to be on the road. He traveled extensively all over the regions bordering the northern and eastern..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Better Things' (He. 5:11-6:4,)
"Dear Father, I am eager to be a good learner. I want to get beyond needing milk meant for babies. I want to digest the solid food of your word. I..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Rejoice with Those Rejoicing!' (Mt. 20:14-15)
"[Jesus continued his parable about the Kingdom of Heaven being like workers hired at different times during the day:] [After the workers who worked....."

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!