Fifty Days of Pentecost Devotional Series — Thursday, June 6

Acts 28:23-28 (click to view Scripture below)

Our reading today records the activity that occupied the last part of Paul the Apostle’s life. It is an account of mixed results. His efforts continue full force, though his circumstances are challenging. People come to him and he spends his days unfolding the full implications of the Gospel. It is recorded that some people were convinced of the Gospel and others “disbelieved.” 

This passage underscores the work of our teachers. They are not as famous as Paul, but certainly are as faithful and committed to doing their job: providing top quality teaching so that children receive a high quality education. In a very real sense, like Paul, they have more impact with some students than others. I also believe that the promise of the Holy Spirit which Paul recites (quoting Isaiah) is applicable for our teachers. They are called to serve their students and will do so faithfully believing that God will bring the results that will transform students who will impact and transform their own communities.  

This whole account reminds me of Coralia, the director of our first school in Costa Rica called Linda Vista. She has been a bold and courageous teacher and leader. She knows that the impact of this school is a necessary part of transforming this community. She’s also faced substantial opposition and frequent challenges in her years as the director. But she has never wavered in her belief that this school was like a neon light that proclaimed to all who were in the community: this hilltop school belongs to God! This is what it looks like to see compassion for your children every day! We will educate those children, but most importantly they will encounter the Jesus who can transform their lives!

Byron Klaus
Vice President, ChildHope
Prayer:  Lord, let our teachers be bold like Paul the Apostle! May his example of courage inspire us and keep our eyes on what is really important in serving your redemptive mission!          

See other devotionals in this series.


Acts 28:23-28 (ESV)

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
    and with their ears they can barely hear,
    and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
    and turn, and I would heal them.’

28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

See other devotionals in this series.

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.