Unstoppable! 'Preparing to Receive the Lord' — Acts 10:24, 27

Thursday, June 5, 2025

[Cornelius' messengers and Peter] arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

...*

So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.

— Acts 10:24, 27 NLT

Key Thought

I love that Cornelius never doubted that Peter would come. God had revealed what Cornelius needed to do, so Cornelius sent his three messengers, prepared himself to receive Peter into his home, and assembled many of his relatives and friends. All these people were waiting to receive God's message about Jesus when Peter arrived. More than just eager, Cornelius had spiritually prepared for this moment and used his influence to make the hearts of many others ready. There is little doubt why God chose this man and his friends and family to be the Gentile "test case" for the disciples' taking the message of Jesus to non-Jews. Cornelius was a man who was hungry to find and honor God and lead others to him. May such things be equally true of us!

* The omitted verses in today's Scripture are in tomorrow's devotional.

Today's Prayer

O Father, may my life have the quality and character of Cornelius and may I have his type of influence with my friends and family. As I pray and ask for your help in becoming such a person, I also know I am committing myself to the passionate pursuit of Jesus and his way of life. In his name, I pray and make this commitment. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 10:24, 27 NLT — [Cornelius' messengers and Peter] arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ...* So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.

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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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