Unstoppable! 'All People Matter' — Acts 6:5

Monday, March 23, 2026

Everyone liked this idea [of appointing spiritually wise men to oversee the food distribution], and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith).
— Acts 6:5 NLT

Key Thought

One thing you and I can miss in this list is a crucial insight into solving the problems the early disciples were facing. In taking care of Greek-speaking widows (Acts 6:1-3), the people chose men who had Greek names. The men chosen to help were Greek-speaking Jews and one was a Gentile convert to Judaism and was from a Greek-speaking background. To solve a problem, why not involve the folks who can best understand the issues and prevent unnecessary roadblocks and misunderstandings? This wise decision to do so pleased everyone, both Hebrew-speaking and Greek-speaking disciples. Keeping the church unified and caring for needy people can be done when godly leaders and the Holy Spirit lead the way in solving the problems!

Today's Prayer

O precious Father, help us as your children. Unify us. We want to be one in spirit and purpose to empower us to live out your mission. We need the Holy Spirit to help us tear down barriers, come up with solutions, and guide our leaders so that we can demonstrate to the world the unity and love that helps them see Jesus. We ask this for the sake of Jesus and the lost people who need to know him and his saving grace. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Full of Faith and of the Holy Spirit
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[The apostles to the church in Jerusalem concerning ministering to the widows:] "Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of..."
Growing through Problems
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, The apostle Paul spoke the truth about Our — Father, Son, and Spirit's — desire for Our new covenant people when he..."
Don't Just Do Something
Article by Phil Ware
He was oblivious to the truth that our attempts to live for Jesus will succeed only if we have the power of the Holy Spirit released to us through prayer. Phil Ware reminds us that the phrase 'don't just stand there do something' is absolutely wrong: we must pray first, then let the Lord lead us to know what to do!
Handling Life's Storms
Article by Mike Barres
What happens when the strom won't let up? The way we handle life's storms can be a powerful witness to those around us just like Stephen's life was.

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 6:5 NLT — Everyone liked this idea [of appointing spiritually wise men to oversee the food distribution], and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith).

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, March 23, 2026

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'A Cry for Help and Health' (Ps. 30:2-4)
"O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O Lord. You kept me from falling into the pit of..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The One Foundation' (1 Co. 3:9-13)
"Dear Father, designer of destiny, Thank you for your concern for us. We are the field that you tend, the building that you build. You build us as..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Everywhere but Home' (Jn. 4:42-44)
"Then [the Samaritan villagers] said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now..."

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!