Unstoppable! 'Pushing Past the Racial Barrier' — Acts 11:19-20

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus.

— Acts 11:19-20 NLT

Key Thought

"However, some of the believers who..." Let those sweet words flow over you. God's directly communicating in multiple ways through the Holy Spirit, an angel, and visions was necessary to tell Cornelius to send for Peter and then to convince Peter to go to Cornelius' house, tell him and his whole household about Jesus, and baptize them. "However, some of the believers who..." refers to regular people who had been persecuted for their faith in Jesus and driven out of Jerusalem, and then they shared Jesus in the places and with the people where they were scattered. These believers shared with people regardless of their race, language, or nationality! Shouldn't we?

Today's Prayer

O God, please give me the courage and the sensitivity to share Jesus wherever you lead me and with the people to whom you send me. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • Luke 9:1-6, 10:1-9

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 11:19-20 NLT — Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus.

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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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