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

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

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Paul's Reasons for the Road'
"Dear Beloved Disciple, Paul had many reasons to be on the road. He traveled extensively all over the regions bordering the northern and eastern..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Everlasting Joy' (Ps. 22:26)
"The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Better Things' (He. 5:11-6:4,)
"Dear Father, I am eager to be a good learner. I want to get beyond needing milk meant for babies. I want to digest the solid food of your word. I..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Matthew 18:20
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

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!