Unstoppable! 'Authority from the Spirit' — Acts 1:1-2

Sunday, January 4, 2026

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.
— Acts 1:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

The message Jesus gave to his apostles before returning to heaven had the authority of Holy Scripture. First, because Jesus spoke that message. Second, because all Scripture and God's prophets are Spirit-inspired (2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21). I believe that Luke carefully chose his language about Jesus giving his disciples "instructions through the Holy Spirit" to prepare us for what follows in Acts. The Spirit spoke through Jesus' apostles throughout the unfolding story. Their messages communicated God's will because the Spirit spoke through them.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, my Abba Father, thank you for speaking to us through the Scriptures. I am sorry that we as your people have not always valued them as your message to us. I know Jesus is your fullest, most complete message, but I also believe that you have spoken to us through your other Holy Scriptures in addition to the Gospels. I ask for the Spirit who inspired these Scriptures to guide me as I read and study them and also to create a deeper yearning in my heart to know them. I ask this so that I may better honor you, God, with my life. In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

18 Related Resources by Heartlight

Friends of God Seeking Truth
Devo: Unstoppable!
"In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen...."
Instructed & Empowered by the Spirit
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[Luke wrote,] In my [gospel] I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his..."
Jesus at Work Through His People
Devo: Unstoppable!
"In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen...."
New, but Connected
Devo: Unstoppable!
"In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen...."
See All 18 Related Resources about Acts 1:1-2

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:1-2 NLT — In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, January 4, 2026

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'He Is the Chosen One of God' (Jn. 1:33-34)
"[John the Baptizer said,] "I didn't know [Jesus] was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Galatians 6:7-8
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Reason to Celebrate'
"Dear Beloved, What's with all those somber faces among those who claim to follow Me? Yes, seriousness is demanded at certain times. Yes, My call for...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Bob Benson:
"When life caves in, you do not need reasons — you need comfort. You do not need some answers — you need someone. And Jesus does not come to us with...."

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!