Unstoppable! 'Who Was I to Stand in God's Way?' — Acts 11:15-17

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

[Peter explained why he baptized Cornelius and those with him:] "The Holy Spirit fell on them... Then I thought of the Lord's words when he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God's way?"

— Acts 11:15-17 NLT

Key Thought

God orchestrated many divinely guided events — visions, angels, messengers, direct commands — to make as clear as possible that Cornelius and his household, all Gentiles, were to be included in his family of faith. Luke wanted to be certain that his readers get the message also: He told the events twice, once in chapter 10 and then again in chapter 11 as Peter recounted the events for the apostles and other believers in Jerusalem (Acts 11:1-4). The coming of the Holy Spirit was the final and convincing testimony of heaven that Cornelius, his relatives, and his friends were to be included in the Christian family and should be baptized (Acts 10:44-47). Peter wasn't about to stand in the way of God!

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive us — forgive me — when we stand in the way of your release of grace, love, and mercy because you pour out those blessings on people we don't expect to be worthy of them or ready for them. Tune our hearts to see your work among people we could never imagine coming to follow Jesus. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:44-49
  • Galatians 3:26-29

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 11:15-17 NLT — [Peter explained why he baptized Cornelius and those with him:] "The Holy Spirit fell on them... Then I thought of the Lord's words when he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God's way?"

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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