Unstoppable! 'Amazed!' — Acts 12:16-17

Monday, July 14, 2025

[After Rhoda left Peter outside at Mary's house in her excitement at seeing him, he] continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. "Tell James and the other brothers what happened," he said. And then he went to another place.

— Acts 12:16-17 NLT

Key Thought

Yes, who wouldn't have been amazed at Peter's deliverance from the control of Herod? Peter had been imprisoned and heavily guarded. Herod had already executed James, one of the apostles and the brother of the apostle John.* Herod had the power and authority of the local Jewish power base as well as the backing of the Roman officials and army. But all that power was no match for the Lord of heaven's armies, the Lord God of hosts. The early church needed a victory, and God gave them one to celebrate and share. However, the celebration couldn't last long; there was a world to save. So, Peter left to do his work for Jesus in some other place!

* It was Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:1-2) who executed James and imprisoned Peter, while it was Herod Antipas who executed John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-2, 6-10).

Today's Prayer

O Father of glory and grace, we celebrate your victories in our world and in our lives. We thank you and praise you for such grace and mercy that you lavish on us. Forgive us, Lord, when we tarry too long in celebration even though the world around us needs to know about Jesus and the salvation he brings. Use our worship, praise, and celebration to fuel our work of living out Jesus' mission for us to reach our lost world. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 89:1-18
  • Philippians 4:4-9

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources 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. ....."
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.
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.

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 12:16-17 NLT — [After Rhoda left Peter outside at Mary's house in her excitement at seeing him, he] continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. "Tell James and the other brothers what happened," he said. And then he went to another place.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, July 14, 2025

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 127:1
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Find Shelter in Him' (Ps. 37:39-40)
"The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Leaving the Crowd Behind' (Mt. 13:36-39)
"Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, "Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field." Jesus..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'One with Christ' (Ga. 3:15-29)
"Dear Father, Thank you, Father, for giving your holy law to Moses and for the role it played in bringing people to Christ. Thank you even more that....."

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!