Unstoppable! 'You Must Preach in Rome!' — Acts 23:11

Friday, November 1, 2024

That night [after Paul's difficult defense, hardships, and arrest,] the Lord appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well."

— Acts 23:11 NLT

Key Thought

From the moment of Paul's conversion, he knew he had been called by God to share the Good News of Jesus with Gentiles.* He was convicted that the Lord had called him to share this message in places where people had never heard of God's grace for them in Jesus. So, Paul was convinced that he needed to go to Rome, the capital of the Empire, and go beyond Rome to new territory to share the Good News. While the way the Lord got Paul to Rome was not his plan, the Lord was faithful and got him there, as we will see as the remainder of Acts unfolds. Even the most faithful and bold among us needs reassurance that we are not forgotten and that God will do what he has promised to do through us. Pauls' vision in today's verse is just one of those times of reassurance.** Let's look for God's ways of reassuring us that we will complete his mission for us in our lives!

* See the first set of Related Scripture Readings below.
** See the second set of Related Scripture Readings below.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, I am thankful that I can enjoy the tender relationship with you as my Abba Father. I am also thankful that you are the almighty God who does the impossible through and for your children. This moment in Paul's life is a good reminder for me of your role as both "abba" and almighty. You are tender and close, yet powerful and history-changing. Help me hang onto your full nature and never lose sight of all that you are and what that means for me as your child who seeks to fulfill your mission in me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 1:13-15, 15:20-29; Acts 19:21; 2 Corinthians 10:15-17
  • 1 Corinthians 16:5-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Acts 9:15-16, 22:15-16, 26:15-18; Romans 8:28-29

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 23:11 NLT — That night [after Paul's difficult defense, hardships, and arrest,] the Lord appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well."

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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