Unstoppable! 'Jealousy and Hostility' — Acts 17:5

Friday, August 29, 2025

Blessed Christmas!

Our prayer is that the presence of Jesus be with you and fill you with hope, peace, and love!

 Read More

But some of the Jews were jealous [of Paul's message and success], so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot. They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd.

— Acts 17:5 NLT

Key Thought

The Jewish leader's jealousy of Jesus' message and success at winning the hearts of the people led them to murder the Lord on the cross. They didn't realize what was happening at the time, but they were accomplishing God's work that would allow Jesus to win the hearts of people for centuries. Paul and Silas faced similar jealousy in Thessalonica. A new believer, Jason, was caught in the middle of the mess. Despite the hostility, jealousy, and resentment, Jesus' disciples continued to grow, and his new body of believers fortified themselves in faith despite being persecuted. The faithfulness of these early disciples is our reminder that hard times do not have to destroy our faith; instead, hard times and persecution can strengthen our faith as fire can strengthen iron and carbon to make steel. Our commitment must focus on being faithful while trusting in the Lord's deliverance.

Today's Prayer

Father, may our hard times only strengthen our faith as we resolve to live for you no matter what circumstances we face. We believe that you are our unstoppable God, the God of deliverance for your people and all who seek you. We thank you for your grace. We praise you for your liberation of your people through the centuries. We wait with faith and resolve to see you act in our time as you did in previous times. We praise you as the Lord, who was and is and is to come. In Jesus' name, we live to honor and praise you. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

In the Center of My Will
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower of the Way, The growth of My Kingdom will not necessarily be an easy undertaking. Spreading the good news of the Father's grace is..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 17:5 NLT — But some of the Jews were jealous [of Paul's message and success], so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot. They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, August 29, 2025

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Has Done Great Things for Me!' (Lk. 1:49-52)
"[Mary responded] "For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him......"
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Righteously and Devoutly Waiting' (Lk. 2:25)
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 74:16
"Yes, Lord, thou dost not abdicate thy throne when the sun goeth down, nor dost thou leave the world all through these long wintry nights to be the..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'No Room!'
"Dear Disciple, Have you really made room in your heart for Me? I'm not talking about thinking about Me during the Christmas season. I'm asking if..."

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!