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.

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

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

A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God's power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles. For the gospel reveals how...."
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done and proclaim that his name is exalted."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, guarantor of freedom, Help me to run well! Help me not to be hindered from obeying the truth! Don't let me be persuaded by a viewpoint....."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"The beautiful thing about this adventure called faith is that we can count on Him never to lead us astray."

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.