Unstoppable! 'Waiting and Troubled' — Acts 17:16-17

Thursday, September 3, 2026

While Paul was waiting for [Silas and Timothy to rejoin him now that he was] in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there.

— Acts 17:16-17 NLT

Key Thought

Religious idolatry was rampant in Paul's world. Athens was known for its beautiful temples, cult prostitution that went with the temples and idolatry, and the discussion of religious and intellectual philosophies. All of these false, pagan, pseudo-spiritual practices were woven into the fabric of commerce, politics, and everyday life in Athens. These misleading religious practices led people farther away from the godly character, gracious compassion, and faithful lovingkindness of the one true God. Paul was deeply troubled by the trappings of idolatry and all that went with them. Are our hearts troubled and broken by all the false notions of God peddled today by our modern philosophies, religions, and anti-God practices? Are we preparing ourselves to share Jesus in the world of competing ideas, philosophies, and religions?

Today's Prayer

Dear Father, my heart breaks at all the harmful and false ideas circulating about you in our world today. As I seek to know you better through Jesus, give my mind clarity, my heart grace, and my spirit resolve to share Jesus so that others can know your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Idolatry Should Trouble Us Toward Outreach
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 17:16-17 NLT — While Paul was waiting for [Silas and Timothy to rejoin him now that he was] in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there.

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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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