Unstoppable! 'Strengthening Existing Churches' — Acts 16:1-5

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek. Then they went from town to town, instructing the believers to follow the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day.

— Acts 16:1-5 NLT

Key Thought

New followers of Jesus sometimes are forgotten or neglected. These early church planters - Paul, Silas, and Timothy - refused to make that kind of mistake. They returned to places they had previously visited and encouraged the people with the news of the decisions made at the Jerusalem conference regarding Gentile Christians. They also took the time to strengthen and support these new believers' faith. These new believers had to stand on their own soon enough. Paul, Silas, and Timothy didn't leave their growth to chance!

Today's Prayer

Dear Father, open our hearts to new believers to include them in our fellowship. Use us to be an encouragement to them and help them grow in their faith. May they see your love in our expressions of fellowship and spiritual friendship toward them. Strengthen their resolve and faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Hebrews 3:6-19, 10:19-25
  • 2 Corinthians 13:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Sensitive to Their Influence
Devo: Unstoppable!
"Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a....."
Finding Help Jesus' Way
Devo: Unstoppable!
"Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a....."
Planting Seeds for the Future
Article by Ron Rose
Are you planting any seeds for tomorrow? Ron Rose reminds us that we need to be investing in the future by helping others see the potential that God has for them.
Expect More!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Don't you think it is past time for My people to be more diligent and persistent in calling their young believers into passionate work..."
See All 10 Related Resources about Acts 16:1-5

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 16:1-5 NLT — Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek. Then they went from town to town, instructing the believers to follow the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, August 17, 2025

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Children of Promise' (Ga. 4:8-5:1)
"Dear Father, Keep us from turning back to any weak and beggarly things. Help us to live in the glorious freedom brought by the Son of God. Let Christ..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Proverbs 10:21
"The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
James 1:26
"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: 2 Timothy 2:12
"We must not imagine that we are suffering for Christ, and with Christ, if we are not in Christ. Beloved friend, are you trusting to Jesus only? If..."

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!