Unstoppable! 'The Holy Spirit Gave the Ability!' — Acts 2:3-6

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of [the believers]. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

— Acts 2:3-6 NLT

Key Thought

The future of Jesus' movement hung in the balance at this moment in history. Jesus had been crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. He had ascended back to the Father. The apostles had a mission to accomplish, yet they had not begun because Jesus had told them to wait for the Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). They were waiting and praying. Jerusalem was filled with people from all over the world, there to honor the LORD God. How would Jesus' disciples begin their world-wide mission? Where would they get the strength to do what needed to be done and speak to people whose languages they didn't know? Luke says that "the Holy Spirit gave them this ability"! And what is our hope to do what God has called us to do? The great Enabler within us, the Holy Spirit, will give us the abilities and power we need to do what God has called us to do, and much more (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Today's Prayer

Eternal God and loving Father, thank you for living inside your children through the Holy Spirit. Forgive us for not realizing that you give us the strength and ability to accomplish your mission. Awaken us. Enliven us. Inspire us. Use the Holy Spirit within us to stir us, gift us, and empower us to be what the people of the world need us to be so that they can know your Son and their Savior, Jesus. We pray in his name and by his authority. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 3:14-21
  • 1 Peter 4:10-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 2:3-6 NLT — Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of [the believers]. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

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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