Unstoppable! 'The Core of the Good News Message' — Acts 25:17-21

Monday, November 27, 2023

[Festus, explaining the situation with Paul to King Agrippa, said:] "When his accusers came here for the trial, I didn't delay. I called the case the very next day and ordered Paul brought in. But the accusations made against him weren't any of the crimes I expected. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive. I was at a loss to know how to investigate these things, so I asked him whether he would be willing to stand trial on these charges in Jerusalem. But Paul appealed to have his case decided by the emperor. So I ordered that he be held in custody until I could arrange to send him to Caesar."

— Acts 25:17-21 NLT

Key Thought

Festus got Paul's message, didn't he? Notice how he summarized the message Paul was determined to proclaim even if it meant his going to prison: "[I]t was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive." Paul described saving faith in 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 as having these six "most important" principles:

  1. Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
  2. He was buried.
  3. Christ was raised from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures.
  4. He appeared to many before going back to the Father.
  5. He is coming back to bring us home to God with new immortal bodies.
  6. Because of all of this, our lives are not lived in vain.

No wonder this message was known as "the Good News" and that Paul was completely committed to proclaiming it although his doing so could lead to going to prison or even being executed!

Today's Prayer

O Father, give me bold courage and confident faith so that I can better proclaim the Good News message of Jesus. I ask this in his name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • Acts 4:23-31; 2 Timothy 2:1-13

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 25:17-21 NLT — [Festus, explaining the situation with Paul to King Agrippa, said:] "When his accusers came here for the trial, I didn't delay. I called the case the very next day and ordered Paul brought in. But the accusations made against him weren't any of the crimes I expected. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive. I was at a loss to know how to investigate these things, so I asked him whether he would be willing to stand trial on these charges in Jerusalem. But Paul appealed to have his case decided by the emperor. So I ordered that he be held in custody until I could arrange to send him to Caesar."

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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