Unstoppable! 'Death Could Not Hold Him!' — Acts 2:24

Friday, January 30, 2026

[Peter continued his message:] "But God released [Jesus] from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip."
— Acts 2:24 NLT

Key Thought

As a boy, I remember trying to catch tadpoles in a slimy creek. I could corral a few, but my hands had become too slippery to hold them in my grip. Jesus was too powerful for Satan to hold him in his slimy hands of death. The evil one intended Jesus' crucifixion for destruction, but God used it and Jesus' resurrection for our salvation (Romans 5:9; 1 Peter 3:21). Jesus is the Son of God in power! He defeated death (Romans 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:9-10) and the powers of hell (Matthew 16:18; 1 Peter 3:18-22). When our lives are joined to Jesus in baptism through faith in God's power to raise him from the dead (Colossians 2:12-13), we are joined with Jesus permanently (Romans 8:32-39). We will share in his resurrected glory (Colossians 3:1-4). Satan could not hold him, and death could not keep him. Because of Jesus, neither can death hold us (Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58).

Today's Prayer

O Father, death still is a hurtful and grievous reality in our broken world. I am not sure how I could have endured some of the losses I have faced without my assured hope in Jesus' resurrection. I believe that the Son will return in glory and usher me, and all I love in Jesus, into his glory. Thank you for this future that breaks the hold of death over me. Thank you for this Good News. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice and victory. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Acts 2:24
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."
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"[Addressing the people at Pentecost, Peter said,] "People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles,..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 2:24 NLT — [Peter continued his message:] "But God released [Jesus] from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip."

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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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