Unstoppable! 'The Transformative Power of an Encourager' — Acts 9:26-27

Sunday, May 18, 2025

When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

— Acts 9:26-27 NLT

Key Thought

In the face of the Jerusalem believers' distrust of Saul, what sweet words: "Then Barnabas..." - sweet because they introduce Barnabas' intercession and his defense of Saul. Barnabas' real name was Joseph; originally he was from Cyprus. The apostles gave Joseph the nickname of Barnabas - "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). Nearly every time we run into Barnabas in the book of Acts, he is helping, encouraging, and reclaiming someone for the cause of Christ. Wow! What a reputation. What a legacy. Let's commit to continue his legacy by becoming more like him. In a world of complaining and whining, let's be the people doing the encouraging!

Today's Prayer

O Lord, thank you for Barnabas and his track record of living with grace toward others. Holy Spirit, give me wisdom and develop your fruit in me so that I can be a generous person and an encourager like Barnabas. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Distrusted
Devo: Unstoppable!
"When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a..."
The Old Clock
Article by Russ Lawson
What lesson can an old abandoned clock teach us? Too many people are put on the back shelf of life and we need to find them and reclaim them just as Baranabas once did.
Risk-taking & Faith-filled
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, What is the greatest obstacle that you face? What seemingly insurmountable forces are at work against you? Keep these two questions....."
A Servant Who Changes Everything
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of God, A large part of the history of faith is written by people who are not considered the greatest servants of faith. However, the..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 9:26-27 NLT — When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, May 18, 2025

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'To Be a Child!' (Mt. 18:2-4)
"[After being asked who is greatest in the Kingdom,] Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, "I tell you the..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Gurnall:
"God is in the hypocrite's mouth, but the world is in his heart."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Always Friend' (Jn. 14:15-16)
"[Jesus said,] "If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you. I will talk to the Father, and he'll provide you another Friend so that you will always have..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Romans 14:11
"It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'""

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!