But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out and said, “Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” Acts 5:19-20 WEB
As the apostles worked to spread the gospel in Jerusalem, the high priest and his associates became jealous of their success. Performing signs and wonders, healing the sick and caring for the needy, the apostles won many people to faith in Christ. Having been brought before the Sanhedrin, subsequently jailed, and released, Peter and John continued to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
This led to a second arrest, but God’s plans for these men to spread the truth of Christ meant that they needed to be free from jail. And so, the lord sent an angel to open the doors of the jail and bring them out. The angel commanded the apostles to stand and speak in the temple courts proclaiming to the people the words of a new life in Christ.
The message of the apostles is simple. Jesus bore our sins and our sickness on the cross. Those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior pass from death to life. The Lord forgives the repentant sinner and heals our infirmity. The words and works of the apostles convinced the masses of the power of God and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Trouble in This World
Salvation does not ensure a lack of trouble in this world. Jesus says in Matthew 10:11, “But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues, they will scourge you. WEB” The apostles themselves suffered jail, persecution, and eventually even death.
However, before they died, God’s power and mercy shined through the signs and the wonders performed by the apostles. They chose to follow the command to stand and speak the truth of Jesus Christ. Their dedication in the face of great persecution proved the fearlessness and faith of those men. Though they suffered trials and tribulation, God gave them the strength to endure and accomplish his will for their lives.
Having been his disciples, witnessing Christ after his death and resurrection, the apostles were supremely confident in God’s ability to receive them into eternal life. They saw the miracles of Jesus and performed their own. An angel set them free from jail. These mighty demonstrations of help from God kept them humble, relying on the Lord for provision and strength. The support they received from our heavenly Father emboldened them to stand and speak the truth of Jesus Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the example of Christ. Thank you for the early church and the apostles. Help me to be strong while serving your cause. Guide me as I share your word with the world. In Jesus’ name -Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Victory Through Our Lord
