Unstoppable! 'Truly, Samaritans Are Included' — Acts 8:25

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

After testifying and preaching the word of the Lord in Samaria, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. And they stopped in many Samaritan villages along the way to preach the Good News.

— Acts 8:25 NLT

Key Thought

God's acceptance of the Samaritans as full disciples of Jesus was indicated by the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). The apostles showed their approval of the Samaritans through their fellowship with them, along with their continued work sharing the story of Jesus with other Samaritans who had not heard the Good News of Jesus (Acts 8:25). The action of the Holy Spirit opens the door to fellowship; for it to be real, Jesus' disciples must genuinely and openly include in their fellowship those who are different from them (John 4:9; Galatians 3:28).

Today's Prayer

Help us, O God, especially in our time of fractured relationships, to include in our fellowship others, especially those who are different from us. Lead us to the hearts of all peoples who are open to the message of Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 4:1-42
  • Matthew 28:18-20; Galatians 3:26-29

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Baptism Must Open the Door to Genuine Fellowship
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, The early Christians were greatly encouraged by Luke's account of two disciples on the road to Emmaus. I joined those two disciples on...."
Near and Far
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, The verses you read below are from Acts chapter 8. They tell of the scattering of My followers from Jerusalem. This scattering began..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 8:25 NLT — After testifying and preaching the word of the Lord in Samaria, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. And they stopped in many Samaritan villages along the way to preach the Good News.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Cancelling our Sin, Giving us a Mission'
"That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Warren Wiersbe:
"Beware of cut-and-dried theologies that reduce the ways of God to a manageable formula that keeps life safe. God often does the unexplainable just to keep us on..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Tested and Proven Character'
"Dear Faithful Follower, About the same time Paul was trying to help the Galatian believers understand grace, My half-brother James was working with....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Saved to Serve' (1 Th. 1:9-10)
"Dear Father, May our faith serve to call them to wait for your Son from heaven, whom you raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath..."

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.

More Unstoppable!