Unstoppable! 'God Uses Paul's Nephew to Save Paul' — Acts 23:16-17

Sunday, November 3, 2024

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But Paul's nephew — his sister's son — heard of [the plan to kill Paul] and went to the fortress and told Paul. Paul called for one of the Roman officers and said, "Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him."

— Acts 23:16-17 NLT

Key Thought

I never have known much about Paul's family other than he was not married (1 Corinthians 7:8). However, in this one short passage, Luke tells us Paul had a sister whose son helped save his life.

Over the centuries, many people have protected God's servants and passed on their faith to future generations, yet we don't know of them! As the Holy Spirit says about many in the Hebrews 11 faith hall of fame, "It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith..."* You may be one of these vital people and not realize your vital role as you faithfully fulfill it. Let's each commit to faithfully helping those who are in danger and supporting those who face grave difficulties because of their faith. Just as God used Paul's nephew to stifle Satan and the enemies of Paul so that he could preach in Rome and other places, we may never know the difference God has used us to make until we stand before Jesus!

* See the first of our Related Scripture Readings.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, use me to be an instrument of your strength as well as your peace. Use me to protect and support those near me who are vulnerable. Open my eyes to leaders who are in danger and need my support and prayers. Fill me, dear Spirit, with a holy boldness to communicate the grace of Jesus regardless of what people may think of me. Stir me to be an encourager as well as a sharer of the Good News. Please bless me with wisdom to know what is important to share with others and what is not. I ask all of this in Jesus' name and for the sake of the Good News. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Hebrews 11:32-40
  • Acts 4:23-31

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Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, November 3, 2024

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Acts 9:11
"Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Hebrews 11:3
"By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
1 Peter 3:12
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Walking in the Light' (Ep. 5:6)
"Dear Father, Help me not to be deceived by empty but high-sounding words that cloak the intent of wickedness. I know that it is because of these..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 23:16-17 NLT — But Paul's nephew — his sister's son — heard of [the plan to kill Paul] and went to the fortress and told Paul. Paul called for one of the Roman officers and said, "Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him."

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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