Unstoppable! 'Godly Delegates for a Delicate Mission' — Acts 15:22

Monday, August 10, 2026

[At the end of the meeting about whether Gentile Christians had to follow Jewish customs,] the apostles and elders together with the whole church in Jerusalem chose delegates, and they sent them to Antioch of Syria with Paul and Barnabas to report on this decision [about necessary things for Gentile Christians]. The men chosen were two of the church leaders — Judas (also called Barsabbas) and Silas.

— Acts 15:22 NLT

Key Thought

One of the safeguards and assurances used in relationships between groups in the early church was sending delegations, usually involving more than one person. These delegations were used to evaluate and support another group and to have multiple people to confirm communications and to provide accountability for funds sent.* The church sending the delegation made sure the delegates were godly and respected leaders. While we live in a time when we can communicate in many different ways, let's remember the importance of people-to-people contact and seek to develop deeper fellowship, connection, and respect among sister congregations.

* See the first set of Related Scripture Readings.

Today's Prayer

Father, bind us together as sister congregations. Open our hearts to help and support each other both in dealing with emergencies and also in partnering in mission and service efforts. We want to be your united family that comes together so that the world can know that you sent Jesus to be the Savior of our world. In his name, we pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Spirit-led Communication
Devo: Unstoppable!
"[At the end of the meeting about whether Gentile Christians had to follow Jewish customs,] the apostles and elders together with the whole church in...."
Unity?!
Article by Phil Ware
Where do we begin the work of genuine unity? Acts 15 becomes a great way to gain principles for building unity in the church today.
Guidance from the Holy Spirit
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious Disciple, The conference that you read about in the verses below occurred in Jerusalem. The focus of that conference was what should be..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 15:22 NLT — [At the end of the meeting about whether Gentile Christians had to follow Jewish customs,] the apostles and elders together with the whole church in Jerusalem chose delegates, and they sent them to Antioch of Syria with Paul and Barnabas to report on this decision [about necessary things for Gentile Christians]. The men chosen were two of the church leaders — Judas (also called Barsabbas) and Silas.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, August 10, 2026

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Voice of the Shepherd' (Jn. 10:3-4)
"[Jesus continued,] "The gatekeeper opens the gate for [the shepherd], and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Giving Grace, Sharing Grace'
"Dear Beloved, What do you do when the leaders in your church don't get along? Do you divide up into different camps and deepen the disagreement? Or,...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Reaping Righteousness' (Ga. 6:7-8)
"Dear Father, Keep me from sowing seeds from my sinful nature, for I do not want to reap the crop they will produce. May I not invest my time, money,...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Rest Comes From the Holy Spirit' (Is. 63:13-14)
""Where is the one who led [the Israelites] through the bottom of the sea? They were like fine stallions racing through the desert, never stumbling. As with..."

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.

More Unstoppable!