Unstoppable! 'God's Angel' — Acts 11:13-14

Sunday, June 22, 2025

[Peter recounted what Cornelius said when he arrived at Cornelius' house:] "He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him, 'Send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He will tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved!'"

Key Thought

When Peter met with Cornelius, Peter was a considerable distance from Jerusalem and away from the normal places we saw him during Jesus' ministry. However, God used his traveling - his "going" - to great advantage. Because of Peter's obedience to Jesus' final words (Matthew 28:18-20), God moved him into a position where he could work for the inclusion of Gentiles in the family of God. This initial case designed by God to include Gentiles in his family of faith began with Peter being willing to go on mission for Jesus to places outside his normal range of familiarity and his normal places. Let's follow his example and do the same: Let's intentionally step out of our usual range of familiarity and our usual places so we can reach others with the Good News of Jesus.

Today's Prayer

Open my heart, dear Father, to the opportunities I have each day - and especially today - to move outside my comfort zone so that I intentionally journey into areas that are new to me and spend time among people who are unfamiliar to me. Use me to reach others with your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 8:1-4, 14, 25
  • Romans 15:17-33

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 11:13-14 NLT — [Peter recounted what Cornelius said when he arrived at Cornelius' house:] "He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him, 'Send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He will tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved!'"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, June 22, 2025

The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"Have you ever really weighed and considered how great the sin of God's people is? Think how heinous is your own transgression, and you will find that...."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"[After the return of the people of Judah from Babylon, this is what the Lord said about them,] "They made their hearts as hard as stone, so they could not hear...."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"[Concerning his explanations of the parables about the Kingdom, Jesus asked his disciples:] "Do you understand all these things?" "Yes," they..."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"If the world were like me, what kind of a world would this world be?"

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.