Unstoppable! 'Verification by the Spirit' — Acts 8:14-17

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God's message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.

— Acts 8:14-17 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus promised his disciples that he would send the Spirit to them. He told them that the coming of the Holy Spirit would empower them to be witnesses to the whole world (Acts 1:8). Even though the Holy Spirit typically came to those who trusted in Jesus as Lord and Christ and were baptized (Acts 2:36-41), the Spirit didn't come immediately to these Samaritans. God moved through the Holy Spirit to show God welcomed them into his Kingdom. The Spirit's coming demonstrated God's approval and made the Good News of Jesus unstoppable!

Today's Prayer

O Jesus, please inspire, motivate, lead, and confirm your work to reach all people in our day. We long to see more and more people accept you as Lord, be baptized, and be filled with your Spirit. Please renew in our day the movement of the Holy Spirit to empower us as witnesses and tear down walls that stand in the way of people coming to you. In your name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 24:42-49; Acts 1:1-11
  • Acts 2:36-41, 22:2-16

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 8:14-17 NLT — When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God's message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.

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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