Unstoppable! 'One Event, Two Stories' — Acts 12:4-5

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Then [Herod] imprisoned [Peter], placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

— Acts 12:4-5 NLT

Key Thought

Luke makes clear that the battle lines were drawn: Herod and his soldiers against the people of God and the power of God. The two stories relate to the different approaches Herod and Jesus' disciples took to this battle. Herod used the tools, armor, and power of human might to persecute, subjugate, and kill followers of Jesus. The followers of Jesus, however, did not use weapons of human violence (John 18:36). Instead, they relied on their heavenly armor and spiritual power.* Our power against human violence must not be based on returning human violence but on "God's armor" (Ephesians 6:10-13) - it is our redemptive spiritual power which makes the advance of God's Kingdom and the message of Jesus unstoppable.

* See the Related Scripture Readings below for more on a Christian's heavenly and spiritual armor.

Today's Prayer

Father of mercy, God of love, strengthen me with your great might. Teach me to resist returning violence for violence. Instead, Holy Spirit, I ask that you lead me to understand and apply the principles of genuine Spirit-empowered warfare against the powers of darkness and the host of evil influences in both the spiritual and the earthly realms of power - whether political, social, or economic. Lord Jesus, overcome every evil desire in me so that I can fight the fight of faith with grace, mercy, peace, love, trust, and prayer. In your name, my Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Living My MUSD #5: Shared Prayer through Interceding Personally
Article by Phil Ware
Even when confined to our houses and limited in our travels and frustrated with social distancing, we still have the incredible ability to pray for others. Phil Ware opens the New Testament and reminds of a great way to live out our mission while under social distancing, prayer because prayer has always been a virtual way of blessing others.
Committed or Comfortable?
Article by Rick Brown
What do we need to get us to stretch out a bit? Rick Brown talks about a famous photograph and the message to pray and have hope in the darkest of times, and to remember that fervent and earnest prayer is the kind of prayer the early church, the committed church prayed.
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. ....."
I Doubt It: Jesus Is Risen from the Dead
Article by Phil Ware
Jesus is risen, and we believe because the first disciples had their doubts! Phil Ware continues his series called 'I Doubt It' and focuses this week on Jesus having risen from death to never die again.
See All 5 Related Resources about Acts 12:4-5

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 12:4-5 NLT — Then [Herod] imprisoned [Peter], placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, July 8, 2026

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'You Will Die in Your Sins' (Jn. 8:21-24)
"Later Jesus said to [the people] again, "I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going." The..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Christ, Our Measuring Stick' (2 Co. 10:7-14)
"Dear Father, source of our joy and our pride, Sometimes we are blind. We don't see what is right before our eyes. Help us to look that we may see,..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'A Good City Is Good for You' (Je. 29:7)
"Also do good things for the city where I sent you as captives. Pray to the Lord for the city where you are living, because if good things happen in..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Bottom Line!' (Ac. 19:1-2)
"While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the..."

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!