“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7
What kind of unbelieving person do you think is the least likely to convert to Christianity? This can be a misleading question—God can convert anyone he wants and, in fact, he has saved people from all walks of life all throughout history. But just for the sake of discussion, who do you think would be the least likely to convert?
During the first century, it might have been the Jewish priests, ironically enough. They were the ones who showed the greatest opposition to Jesus and his followers in the early days of his ministry and the church. To have a “great many” of them convert and follow Jesus later must have been quite a shake-up in Jerusalem.
When God saves those you think would be the last people to repent and believe, we know that it is truly God’s work. God did it in the early church, and he still does it today!
Read
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:7–12
- How does God show up in unexpected places in these verses?
- Who in your life seems unlikely to convert that you need to pray for?
- Who do you know that has been converted in a dramatic way?
Prayer
Father, thank you that you can save anyone. We stand in awe of the fact that you would use weak vessels like us to save those who are perishing. May we continue to see the “unexpected” come into your kingdom. We know that nobody deserves to be saved and that anytime someone is, it’s by your grace. Thank you, Father. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide: Chapter 6–11. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes an 11-week curriculum with small group studies, group inductive studies, as well as 55 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
