Unstoppable! 'The Gospel of Grace' — Acts 13:38-43

Friday, July 28, 2023

[Continuing in the synagogue, Paul said,] "Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is made right in God's sight — something the law of Moses could never do. Be careful! Don't let the prophets' words apply to you. For they said,

'Look, you mockers,
be amazed and die!
For I am doing something in your own day,
something you wouldn't believe
even if someone told you about it.'"

As Paul and Barnabas left the synagogue that day, the people begged them to speak about these things again the next week. Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God.

— Acts 13:38-43 NLT

Key Thought

Paul proclaimed Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises, as the one who brought true salvation. This salvation was, and is, and forever will be, rooted in faith that it is Jesus — through his death, burial, and resurrection — saves us. As we share in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection through faith, we are saved, forgiven, and sanctified and become children who walk in God's light (Acts 26:15-18, 2:38-41). The law of Moses could never accomplish what Jesus did for us. And, as Paul says, "Everyone who believes in him is made right in God's sight."

Today's Prayer

O Father, thank you. Thank you for saving me! Thank you for Jesus! Thank you for salvation by grace through faith. Thank you that I participated in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection through faith as I was baptized in his name. Thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit to confirm that I am your child and that your presence is always with me and to transform me to become more and more like Jesus. I offer my thanksgiving to you in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 22:10-23; 26:12-18
  • Galatians 3:26-4:4; Ephesians 2:1-10

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 13:38-43 NLT — [Continuing in the synagogue, Paul said,] "Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is made right in God's sight — something the law of Moses could never do. Be careful! Don't let the prophets' words apply to you. For they said, 'Look, you mockers,be amazed and die!For I am doing something in your own day,something you wouldn't believeeven if someone told you about it.'" As Paul and Barnabas left the synagogue that day, the people begged them to speak about these things again the next week. Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God.

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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