Unstoppable! 'Paul's Prayer for His Captors' — Acts 26:29

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Paul replied [to King Agrippa's skepticism about becoming a Christian by saying], "Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains."

— Acts 26:29 NLT

Key Thought

Paul was convinced that both his short-term future and his eternal future were securely in the hands of Jesus. Because of this faith, Paul — a prisoner facing a potential death sentence — could pray for his rich, powerful, and influential captors to become like him, except for his difficult circumstances. These words were Paul's bold invitation for King Agrippa and the Roman governor, Festus, and the others present to believe and become followers of Jesus. Let's pray for each other to have such bold confidence!

Today's Prayer

Dear Father, as your children, may we have a bold faith like Paul's. Help us when our faith wavers because of our circumstances. May we be strong in our trust, whether times are great or hard. Thank you for giving us reasons to believe and such a glorious hope in our future because of Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 1:18-26; Romans 8:31-39
  • Romans 4:18-22; 2 Timothy 1:6-14

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 26:29 NLT — Paul replied [to King Agrippa's skepticism about becoming a Christian by saying], "Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains."

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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