Unstoppable! 'Accepted, but Sent Away' — Acts 9:28-30

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. He debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him. When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown.

— Acts 9:28-30 NLT

Key Thought

With the help of Barnabas, Saul was finally accepted by the believers and church leaders in Jerusalem. So, Saul did what he knew to do and what he did well. He proclaimed Jesus to his fellow Jews, especially those who spoke Greek. When his proclamation became more of a debate, Saul's fellow Jews disliked his teaching so much that they wanted to murder him. Fortunately, the believers risked their lives for a man they once feared, and they helped him escape to his hometown. This a great testament not only to Saul's faith, but also to the generous spirit of his fellow believers!

Today's Prayer

O Father, give me a generous spirit toward people who are trying to live for you and Jesus and who are facing opposition and criticism. Use me to be your source of support and protection for them so that they can spread their wings of faith and soar in your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Determined to Live Out His Call
Devo: Unstoppable!
"So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord."
Growth Despite Previous Opposition
Devo: Unstoppable!
"When the believers heard about [the attempts to murder Saul], they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown. The church....."
They Prospered Wonderfully
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"When [Paul's] friends learned of the plot [to kill him], they got him out of [Jerusalem], took him to Caesarea, and then shipped him off to Tarsus. Things..."
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....."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 9:28-30 NLT — So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. He debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him. When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, May 20, 2025

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'Water of Life' (Re. 22:1-2)
"Then the Angel showed [John] Water-of-Life River, crystal bright. It flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb, right down the middle of the street. The Tree....."
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'When Is Worship A Lie?'
"Dear Disciple, I love all people. That's why I came. At the same time, I have to tell you something — and yes, I'm sorry to have to do this..."
Today's Verse
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Romans 14:5
"One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind."

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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