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

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Exodus 20:25
"God's altar was to be built of unhewn stones, that no trace of human skill or labour might be seen upon it. Human wisdom delights to trim and arrange...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Guidance for Seeking Hearts'
"Dear Follower, I promised My followers that the Holy Spirit would guide them in their witness to the nations (Acts 1:8). Today, I want to talk to you..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God's Power Over Death for Us!' (1 Co. 6:14)
"By his power God has raised the Lord from the dead and will also raise us from the dead."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Billy Graham:
"If I didn't have spiritual faith, I would be a pessimist. But I'm an optimist. I've read the last page in the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right."

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!