God's Holy Fire: 'They Prospered Wonderfully'

Friday, May 30, 2025

When [Paul's] friends learned of the plot [to kill him], they got him out of [Jerusalem], took him to Caesarea, and then shipped him off to Tarsus. Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country — Judea, Samaria, Galilee — the church grew. They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them. They prospered wonderfully.
— Acts 9:30-31 MSG

Key Thought

I love the sentence, "They prospered wonderfully." This statement does not mean they were all healthy, wealthy, and wise. In the Holy Spirit sense, "prosper" means calm, smooth sailing, unity, strength, deep reverence, spiritual growth, and numerical growth. I don't know many places that actually demonstrate the Spirit in this way, but I do know that this possibility gives me hope.

Today's Prayer

O Father, please help us prosper in the ways you want us to prosper. May our prospering bring you honor and glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

Growth Despite Previous Opposition
Devo: Unstoppable!
"When the believers heard about [the attempts to murder Saul], they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown. The church....."
Fear God and Strength through the Spirit
Devo: Together in Christ
"The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the...."
Accepted, but Sent Away
Devo: Unstoppable!
"So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. He debated with some..."
The Rhythms of the Kingdom
Article by Tim Woodroof
In the ups and downs of church life, is it good to be on a plateau? Tim Woodroof continues his series on change in the book of Acts and the changes facing the church today.
See All 6 Related Resources about Acts 9:30-31

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 9:30-31 MSG — They prospered wonderfully.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, May 30, 2025

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Up to No Good' (Mt. 14:5-12)
"Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. But at a birthday party for Herod,..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Philippians 4:11
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Bearing Each Others' Burdens' (Ga. 6:1-5)
"Dear Father, lifter of our heavy loads, Fill my heart with love for my brothers and sisters in Christ. If someone is overtaken in some misdeed, help...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God’s Spirit: The Author of Unity' (Ep. 4:3-6)
"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your..."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations