Unstoppable – Wk. 11 (Digging Deeper)

Day 1: Celebration Before Criticism

Scripture Emphasis: Acts 11:1–18

When Peter returned to Jerusalem, he brought incredible news: Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit and believed in Jesus. Rather than celebrating, many believers immediately questioned Peter’s actions. Luke records this event to expose a temptation every believer faces—becoming more concerned with our preferences and traditions than with the transforming work of God.

Discover

Read Acts 11:1–18

1. What was the first concern the circumcision party raised when Peter arrived in Jerusalem? (vv. 2–3)(MULTILINE)
2. How did Peter explain what had happened, and what evidence did he point to that this was God’s work? (vv. 4–17)(MULTILINE)
3. Read Luke 15:7. According to Jesus, what should be our response when sinners repent?(MULTILINE)
4. Read Isaiah 43:18–19. Why do you think God warns His people not to miss the “new thing” He is doing?(MULTILINE)
5. Why do believers sometimes find it easier to criticize what God is doing than to celebrate it?(MULTILINE)
6. Think about a time when God worked in a way you didn’t expect. How did you respond, and what did you learn from it?(MULTILINE)

Summary

Throughout Scripture, God often works in ways that surprise His people. The problem in Jerusalem wasn’t that the believers lacked information—they struggled because God’s work challenged their expectations. Peter simply pointed to what God had done. Whenever God’s grace transforms lives, our first response should be worship rather than suspicion. Discernment is important, but a critical spirit can keep us from rejoicing in the very answers to prayer we’ve been asking God to provide.

Application

This week, intentionally celebrate God’s work in someone else’s life. Thank Him for the evidence of His grace instead of focusing on differences, preferences, or personalities.

Day 2: Seeing the Grace of God

Scripture Emphasis: Acts 11:19–24

Barnabas arrived in Antioch expecting to evaluate the new believers. Instead, Luke tells us that he “saw the grace of God.” Rather than looking for flaws, Barnabas looked for evidence that God was at work. His perspective changed everything.

Discover

Read Acts 11:19–24

1. What happened when believers shared the gospel in Antioch? (vv. 20–21)(MULTILINE)
2. What was Barnabas’ response when he arrived and saw what God was doing? (vv. 22–24)(MULTILINE)
3. Read Ephesians 2:8–10. What does God’s grace accomplish in the life of a believer?(MULTILINE)
4. Read Philippians 1:6. What confidence should we have about God’s work in another believer?(MULTILINE)
5. Why is it often easier to notice people’s weaknesses than God’s grace in their lives?(MULTILINE)
6. Who in your life needs someone to recognize God’s work in them instead of pointing out what they still lack?(MULTILINE)

Summary

Barnabas reminds us that mature believers don’t merely evaluate people—they encourage them. He recognized that spiritual growth is evidence of God’s grace, not human achievement. Instead of expecting perfection from young believers, Barnabas strengthened what God had already begun. Healthy churches grow when mature believers become grace-spotters rather than fault-finders.

Application

Ask God to help you see His grace at work in someone this week. Then encourage them specifically by telling them what you see God doing in their life.

Day 3: The Ministry of Encouragement

Scripture Emphasis: Acts 11:23–24

Barnabas spoke words that strengthened the church in Antioch, and Luke immediately records the result: “large numbers of people were added to the Lord.” Encouragement is not merely kindness—it is one of God’s primary tools for strengthening His people and advancing His kingdom.

Discover

Read Acts 11:23–24

1. What specifically did Barnabas encourage the believers to do? (v. 23)(MULTILINE)
2. What was the result of Barnabas’ ministry? (v. 24)(MULTILINE)
3. Read Ephesians 4:29. According to Paul, what kind of words should come from a believer’s mouth?(MULTILINE)
4. Read Hebrews 10:24–25. Why does Scripture place such a high value on encouraging one another?(MULTILINE)
5. Why do criticism and encouragement often produce completely different results?(MULTILINE)
6. Who has encouraged your walk with Christ the most? How did God use that person to strengthen your faith?(MULTILINE)

Summary

Barnabas understood that encouragement isn’t empty flattery. Biblical encouragement strengthens believers to remain faithful to Christ. One conversation can redirect a life, strengthen a struggling believer, or encourage someone to keep serving when they feel like quitting. We often underestimate the eternal impact of faithful, Christ-centered words.

Application

Choose one person today and intentionally encourage them with words that point them toward Christ. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—create it.

Day 4: Christians—Little Christs

Scripture Emphasis: Acts 11:25–26

Antioch became the first place where believers were called Christians. This wasn’t a name they chose for themselves. It was given by people who observed their lives and saw a resemblance to Jesus. Their identity wasn’t defined merely by what they believed, but by how they lived.

Discover

Read Acts 11:25–26

1. Why do you think the people of Antioch began calling the disciples “Christians”? (v. 26)(MULTILINE)
2. What do you think others observed about these believers? (vv. 25–26)(MULTILINE)
3. Read Luke 6:40. What is the goal of every disciple?(MULTILINE)
4. Read 1 John 2:6. What does John say should characterize those who remain in Christ?(MULTILINE)
5. What qualities of Jesus are most needed in our culture today?(MULTILINE)
6. If someone watched your life this past week, what evidence would convince them that you belong to Jesus?(MULTILINE)

Summary

Christianity was never intended to be merely a set of beliefs or religious activities. A disciple is someone who is becoming like Jesus. As we spend time with Him through His Word and yield to the Holy Spirit, His character becomes visible in our lives. The greatest testimony we can give is a life that consistently reflects Christ.

Application

Ask the Lord to reveal one area where your life needs to more closely resemble Jesus. Commit to practicing that characteristic intentionally this week.

Day 5: Building the Kingdom Together

Scripture Emphasis: Acts 11:19–26

The church at Antioch did not become influential because of one gifted leader. Ordinary believers shared the gospel. Barnabas encouraged them. Saul taught them. Together, God used their faithfulness to establish one of the most significant churches in the New Testament.

Discover

Read Acts 11:19–26

1. Who first shared the gospel in Antioch, and what happened as a result? (vv. 19–21)(MULTILINE)
2. Why did Barnabas go to Tarsus to find Saul? (vv. 25–26)(MULTILINE)
3. Read 1 Corinthians 3:6–9. How does Paul describe the different roles believers play in God’s work?(MULTILINE)
4. Read Ephesians 4:11–16. According to Paul, how does the church grow into maturity?(MULTILINE)
5. Why is it important to recognize that every believer has a role in building God’s Kingdom?(MULTILINE)
6. Where do you sense God calling you to faithfully serve so that others can grow in Christ?(MULTILINE)

Summary

God rarely accomplishes His work through one person alone. The church grows as believers faithfully use their gifts together. Some plant, some encourage, some teach, some lead, and some quietly serve behind the scenes. Each role matters because God is the One who gives the growth. Antioch became a launching point for the gospel because ordinary believers were faithful where God had placed them.

Application

Pray about one specific way you can strengthen Christ’s church this week. Whether it’s serving, encouraging, discipling, giving, or sharing the gospel, faithfully do your part and trust God with the results.