READING: Acts 28:1-32, Ephesians 1:1-2:22
Yesterday’s devotion spoke of the significance of Christian friends, and I’m reminded of their importance in today’s reading as well. Paul was finally in Italy on his way to Rome, and two groups of believers met him along the way before he arrived in that city. They had apparently heard the apostle was in country, and they intentionally sought him out.
The result? “When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage” (Acts 28:15). Paul had longed to get to Rome. Now as he approached that city, God encouraged and strengthened him by the presence of believers who desired to walk with him.
In the Ephesians portion of our reading today, we also see God’s gracious acts of tearing down the walls between people when He redeems us, places us in His body, and unites us as one. We are all “fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household” (Eph 2:19). We are friends, and our relationships with Christ and with one another make all the difference.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you need to seek restoration in any Christian friendship today?
DAILY PRAYER: “Thank You, God, for tearing down the dividing walls.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ephesians 3:1-5:14
