In The Word
Read: Acts 5:17-42
Imprisonment and Release
17 But the high priest stood up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and leading them out, he said, 20 “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple area the whole message of this Life.” 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple area about daybreak and began to teach.
Now when the high priest and his associates came, they called the Council together, that is, all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison for them to be brought. 22 But the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported, 23 saying, “We found the prison locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this. 25 But someone came and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple area and teaching the people!”26 Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).
27 When they had brought them, they had them stand before the Council. The high priest interrogated them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31 He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Gamaliel’s Counsel
33 But when they heard this, they became infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men. 36 For, some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of the census and drew away somepeople after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. 38 And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or movement is men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”
40 They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and thenreleased them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and preaching the good news of Jesus as the Christ.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Yesterday, in Acts 5:16, we read that the people were bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits to the apostles, and they were all being healed. That type of success will bring a crowd and jealous indignation from the rulers. It did not take long for these religious leaders to have the apostles placed in prison as they gathered all the Council and the Senate from all areas to decide what would be their fate. Unbeknown to them an angel had released the apostles and encouraged them to return to the temple and preach. Arrested again, they were threatened with death if they continued with this Jesus nonsense, until the elder statesmen Gamaliel advised them otherwise. His council was to leave them alone. If it’s anything but God, it will fail; and if it is God, you’ll be fighting against Him. The apostles were flogged and set free; they were honored to be beaten in the name of Jesus!
Have you ever seen yourself looking at another believer in jealousy? Maybe they’re more talented than you, maybe better looking. Be careful not to look on a believer in Christ in anything but love. God gives us each a talent; He uses us all in different ways. We should never resent what He does in another believer’s life. This council was so enraged with these apostles that they considered putting them to death! You may have found yourself hoping for the demise of a fellow believer. Be careful; pray for that individual. It’s hard to hate someone we continually bring to the Father in prayer!