Unstoppable! 'The Good News Is Unstoppable!' — Acts 28:28-31

Sunday, December 31, 2023

[In Paul's meeting with Jewish leaders in Rome, some were persuaded by his message about Jesus being the Messiah, but others were not. He concluded with these words:] "So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it."

For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.

— Acts 28:28-31 NLT

Key Thought

Luke wanted us to read his second volume,* Acts, and realize that the Good News message of Jesus was UNSTOPPABLE! As we have seen in Acts, there were many attempts by both authorities and everyday folks to stop the Good News. Luke's account of the early church, along with our faith today, testify to the failure of all such attempts. The message of God's Good News for the world about Jesus being Lord and Messiah was UNSTOPPABLE! Luke ended Acts with the adverb ἀκωλύτως, probably best translated "unhinderedly" or "without hindrance" (Acts 28:31 NIV). This word describes both Paul's proclamation of the Good News in Rome and the power of the Good News he preached. Paul, a prisoner for Christ,** boldly and openly proclaimed Jesus as both Lord and Messiah, in the capital of the Roman empire, without anything or anyone trying to stop him. In a world that sometimes feels like it is more and more opposed to faith in Jesus, let's remember that we share a faith, a message, and a Lord that are UNSTOPPABLE! May God bless us as we seek to live for our Lord Jesus Christ and to help others find God's grace in him.

* See our first set of Related Scripture Readings.
** See our second set of Related Scripture Readings.

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each daily devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection, and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges us to live for Jesus. Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware, author of Verse of the Day and many other Heartlight devotionals. The devotion is free by email, on the free Heartlight Daily Devotional App, and at Heartlight.org. It will begin again tomorrow, January 1st, with Acts 1:1-2.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, Father, for giving us an unstoppable message about Jesus, your Son, who is your Messiah and my Savior and Lord. Please use me to bless others with this unstoppable message and help them discover your grace. In Jesus' name, and for the sake of those who do not know him, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-4
  • Ephesians 3:1-6; Colossians 4:2-4

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 28:28-31 NLT — [In Paul's meeting with Jewish leaders in Rome, some were persuaded by his message about Jesus being the Messiah, but others were not. He concluded with these words:] "So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it." For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.

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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