Unstoppable! 'Disturbed' — Acts 4:1-4

Thursday, February 23, 2023

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000.
— Acts 4:1-4 NLT

Key Thought

SqOur verses today remind us that there are two very distinct reactions to the message about Jesus. Some are disturbed by the message of Jesus while others are delighted with it. Many of the same leaders responsible for Jesus' crucifixion were disturbed that his followers proclaimed Jesus and his resurrection. Those leaders arrested and imprisoned Peter and John for their proclamation of Jesus' message. The leaders wanted to be rid of Jesus and his movement. They thought they had snuffed it out completely with Jesus' death. These hostile leaders had yet to learn that nothing could stop the Good News of Jesus and his resurrection! He was alive and at work in his passionate people — and still is. His message, his promises, his power, and his resurrection made their work UNSTOPPABLE!

Today's Prayer

O Father, thank you for the example and testimony of Jesus' early disciples. I know that many in the world choose not to believe. They reject the message of Jesus' resurrection and his unique role as Savior. However, I believe that Jesus is your Son and that for his life on this earth, he was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary, lived a life in human flesh like me, did amazing things for your glory to show love to those who were broken, gave his life on the cross for my sins, and rose from the dead to conquer death for all who believe in him. Thank you, Father. Thank you! Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 15:1-9
  • Acts 4:12; John 14:1-6

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 4:1-4 NLT — While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000.

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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