Unstoppable! 'God's Call to Help' — Acts 11:27-28

Friday, July 3, 2026

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During this time [of growth for the church in Antioch] some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.)

— Acts 11:27-28 NLT

Key Thought

In today's reading, Luke revealed several realities for the church in Antioch:

  • The Antioch church shared in genuine fellowship with the Jerusalem church.
  • The Spirit had blessed the church with prophets to help guide and prepare the disciples for the challenges of living for Jesus in difficult times.
  • Christians recognized that they had responsibilities as citizens of the world as part of seeking first the Kingdom of God (cf. Matthew 6:33).
  • Luke made sure to anchor his story in history by referring to Roman emperors to give the story a time-stamp,* much as he did in his gospel.**

As followers of Jesus, our ultimate allegiance lies in our heavenly Kingdom (Philippians 3:20-21), but that allegiance is not some abstract, "spiritual" thing. It has very real consequences in how we live with and treat other people (Matthew 25:31-46; Acts 2:45, 4:32-35; Galatians 5:22-23) and how we submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Acts 5:28-29). Also, we should remember that instructions about submitting to authorities were given even when Christians were being persecuted (1 Peter 4:12-14).

* The reign of Claudius was around A.D. 45-46.
** See the first set of Related Scripture Readings, below.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, Lord over all rulers on earth, please give me wisdom in knowing how best to live honoring my responsibilities to my citizenship in your Kingdom. I want to seek your Kingdom first, O God, and bless Jesus' fellowship of believers worldwide. Help me know how best to meet my responsibilities to earthly governments without compromising or sacrificing my loyalty to you and your people. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Foretold by the Spirit
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great..."
Caring for the Family of Believers
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of the Father, You live in an interconnected world more than any other human beings in the history of planet earth. You can travel quickly..."
Moving Out
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Faithful Follower, One of the marks of Our — Father, Son, and Spirit's — people has been their acceptance of "moving out," that is,...."
The Story: Three Windows of Grace
Article by Phil Ware
Isn't it time for a little church remodeling? Phil Ware continues his series on The Story and focuses on the church at Antioch and the grace that empowered the church to be all God intended it to be.

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 11:27-28 NLT — During this time [of growth for the church in Antioch] some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.)

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, July 3, 2026

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Watch Over You' (Ps. 121:8)
"The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Ephesians 2:8-9
"It is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Matthew 5:5
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Imitating God' (Ep. 4:29-5:2)
"Dear Father, worthy of my love and obedience, Let nothing evil come out of my mouth - only what is good for building others up. Let whatever I say..."

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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