Unstoppable! 'A Great Commotion' — Acts 12:18-19

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

At dawn [after the angel freed Peter from prison,] there was a great commotion among the soldiers about what had happened to Peter. Herod Agrippa ordered a thorough search for him. When he couldn't be found, Herod interrogated the guards and sentenced them to death. Afterward Herod left Judea to stay in Caesarea for a while.

— Acts 12:18-19 NLT

Key Thought

Don't you just love the way Luke expresses the results of Peter's deliverance from the Roman soldiers - at least the description before the guards were sentenced to death: "There was a great commotion among the soldiers..." How did Peter escape such high security while being heavily guarded in prison? We know, don't we? The power of the living God who raised Jesus from the dead and removed him from the imprisonment of the tomb also delivered Peter from prison and anticipated execution! If the liberation of Peter was amazing and bewildering for Peter and the disciples, it was terrifying, mystifying, and deadly for the soldiers guarding him. They knew their lives were on the line if Peter escaped. The point, however, is simple: No power can hold those whom God wants free. This truth must give us confidence, even in the face of threats, oppression, and persecution.

Today's Prayer

O, Father, my heart intercedes for my brothers and sisters enduring persecution and opposition of all kinds. I ask, O Almighty, that you intervene for the sake of your imprisoned and abused servants facing persecution in different parts of the world. Awaken me from my self-serving focus and renew my passion for my persecuted family all over the world. I believe, dear Father, that you are Deliverer and Savior. I ask you to rescue my brothers and sisters who are under oppression, O God, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Surprised?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, I hope you enjoy reading the verses below as much as I enjoyed being at work in the lives of My disciples bringing them deliverance. ....."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 12:18-19 NLT — At dawn [after the angel freed Peter from prison,] there was a great commotion among the soldiers about what had happened to Peter. Herod Agrippa ordered a thorough search for him. When he couldn't be found, Herod interrogated the guards and sentenced them to death. Afterward Herod left Judea to stay in Caesarea for a while.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Jeremiah 32:17
"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Sowing Seeds' (Ga. 6:6-10)
"Dear Father, holy unscornable God, Don't let me be deceived, my God, for I know that no one can mock you with impunity. For whatever a person sows..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Guidance from the Holy Spirit'
"Dear Precious Disciple, The conference that you read about in the verses below occurred in Jerusalem. The focus of that conference was what should be..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Rescues Us from Death' (Ps. 68:20)
"Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death."

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.

More Unstoppable!