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

Thursday, April 30, 2026

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

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 Thursday, April 30, 2026

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Refusing Deliverance' (Jn. 11:55-57)
"It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'A Sure Foundation' (1 Ti. 6:17-19)
"Dear Father, May we learn to be content and not to seek material riches. Let not our craving for riches cause us to wander away from the faith and..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'From the Everlasting Past' (Ps. 93:2)
"Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Anticipating the Overflow' (Jn. 7:37-39)
"On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus took his stand. He cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will....."

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!