Unstoppable! 'Strengthening Believers' — Acts 18:23-28

Thursday, September 12, 2024

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After spending some time in Antioch, Paul went back through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting and strengthening all the believers.

Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John's baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.

Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him to go. They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him. When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God's grace, had believed. He refuted the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah.

— Acts 18:23-28 NLT

Key Thought

I love the phrase Luke used to describe Paul's ministry: "Paul went back through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting and strengthening all the believers." What a precious blessing the ministry of visiting and strengthening other believers can be. Paul didn't stop with his initial work. He was continually building teams to do the same kind of ministry. In a world so keen on tearing down so many things — people, reputations, values — I am thankful for the inspiring example that Paul set by living the life he chose and by the ministry he chose: visiting and strengthening other disciples.

Today's Prayer

God, I praise you for the people I know who have taken Paul's example — along with Priscilla's and Aquila's and Apollos' examples — and are giving their lives to visiting and strengthening churches, leaders, and followers of Jesus. Thank you, God, for such people who are so precious to your Kingdom! Empower their ministries, fill their hearts with a sense of gratitude and fulfillment for being your tools to bless your people. In Jesus' name, I thank you and praise you for the blessing they bring. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 22:43; Acts 9:31, 14:22, 15:41, 16:5; 18:23
  • Acts 15:32; 1 Corinthians 14:1-3

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 18:23-28 NLT — After spending some time in Antioch, Paul went back through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting and strengthening all the believers. Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John's baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him to go. They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him. When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God's grace, had believed. He refuted the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah.

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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