Unstoppable! 'Can't Be Shut Up! (Part 1)' — Acts 5:17-21

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Multiplication of Ministry Recap

This week we've celebrated what God has done and shared what's next for this ministry.

 Read Recap
The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy [because of the crowds that came to the apostles for healing]. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, "Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!"

So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching.

When the high priest and his officials arrived, they convened the high council — the full assembly of the elders of Israel. Then they sent for the apostles to be brought from the jail for trial.

— Acts 5:17-21 NLT

Key Thought

The apostles' passionate obedience to the call of God is inspirational. They knew they were risking their lives when they disobeyed the high priest and his officials by proclaiming Jesus publicly. They had the "message of life!" How could they not declare it? Threats didn't stop them. Arrest didn't contain them. They were propelled by their love for Jesus, their conviction that he had been raised from the dead, and the call of their Lord to share his message with their lost friends, neighbors, and even enemies.

Today's Prayer

O Father, awaken our courage and passion to share the message of life in our day. We ask this in Jesus' name and for his sake. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 5:17-21 NLT — The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy [because of the crowds that came to the apostles for healing]. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, "Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!" So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching. When the high priest and his officials arrived, they convened the high council — the full assembly of the elders of Israel. Then they sent for the apostles to be brought from the jail for trial.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, March 12, 2026

Daily Wisdom
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Proverbs 6:6
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!"
God's Holy Fire
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'Life and Peace' (Ro. 8:6)
"The mind controlled by the sinful nature is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. "
Today's Verse
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Romans 5:6-8
"At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Luke 23:33
"The hill of comfort is the hill of Calvary; the house of consolation is built with the wood of the cross; the temple of heavenly blessing is founded....."

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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