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

Thursday, August 10, 2023

[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

  • Acts 8:14-17, 11:19-24, 27-30; 12:25
  • Acts 20:1-6; Romans 15:25-29

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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.

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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