Unstoppable! 'Opposition Is Expected' — Acts 6:9-10

Monday, March 27, 2023

But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with [Stephen]. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.
— Acts 6:9-10 NLT

Key Thought

We should expect opposition from Satan anytime we begin to make a difference for the cause of Christ. Satan's opposition comes in many forms — discomfort, criticism, illness, political pressure, threatened persecution, abuse, church quarrels, or even martyrdom. However, we can take hope in this opposition. Sometimes, as in the case of Stephen's death in Acts 7 or the problem with the neglect of Greek-speaking widows in Acts 6:1-7, the results can lead to a great advance for the message of Christ. We must remember two essential resources we have as followers of Christ: prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. These two spiritual tools help make the message of Christ unstoppable!

Today's Prayer

Father, I pray today for all of your servants sharing the Good News of Jesus in hostile circumstances and facing opposition. Empower these servants of your word with the Holy Spirit. Open doors for your message to be heard. Deliver your servants from the evil one. Break down barriers that Satan has placed in their path. Give us courage, Lord Jesus, to believe that your message of grace is unstoppable. Amen!

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 6:18-20
  • Colossians 4:2-6; 2 Corinthians 11:23-27

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 6:9-10 NLT — But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with [Stephen]. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.

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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