Unstoppable! 'The Relentless Work of Strengthening Disciples' — Acts 18:18-21

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Your Support Matters!

Your donations are vital to help us keep the light shining.

 Donate Now

Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow. Then he set sail for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.

They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. As he left, however, he said, "I will come back later, God willing." Then he set sail from Ephesus.

— Acts 18:18-21 NLT

Key Thought

Paul's movements all over the Mediterranean world amaze me. He never seemed to stop. He was always trying to reach people and places that had never heard of Jesus, yet was always careful to double back and strengthen new disciples. Despite having his eyes set on places he had never been, he ensured that the key churches in Antioch and Jerusalem were included in the work of reaching the world. In a time when churches — whether small or large or mega in size — seem to think about ministry only as it impacts themselves, let's pray and serve as people who are part of the world-wide people of Jesus. Let's use our influence to bless new believers while reaching out to unbelievers in places we've never gone. Jesus' last command in Matthew's Gospel was for us to make disciples by going, baptizing, and teaching new believers to obey all that he had commanded. How can we claim to be Jesus' disciples and refuse to have an emphasis and passion similar to Paul's for Jesus' mission?

Today's Prayer

Father, open our eyes to the opportunities to share Jesus and encourage new and weak congregations and disciples. Arouse us from our self-interest and awaken us to your worldwide mission of grace. I ask for this awakening in Jesus' name and for the sake of the lost world. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • John 4:1-42

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, September 11, 2024

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Loving the Limelight' (Mk. 12:38-39)
"Jesus also taught: "Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: 2 Corinthians 6:17
"The Christian, while in the world, is not to be of the world. He should be distinguished from it in the great object of his life. To him, "to live,"....."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
2 Corinthians 9:11
"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Steadfast Under Trial' (Ja. 1:12)
"Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 18:18-21 NLT — Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow. Then he set sail for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him. They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. As he left, however, he said, "I will come back later, God willing." Then he set sail from Ephesus.

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!