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Then the high priest rose up, and they that were all with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees) and filled with indignation. And laid their hands on the apostles and put them in common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth and said, “Go stand and speak in the temple to all the people all the words of this life.” And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told. Saying. The prison truly found we shut with all safety. and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. Then came one and told them saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

 

Jesus had warned the followers that they would be persecuted for their faith. And this happened in the beginnings of the early church. Yet today, for giving witness for Jesus, we too can be persecuted. Think about that. And the same Spirit and God who raised Jesus from the dead, will be there for us when we call on Jesus' name. But, read through this story.

The upper controlling section of the church were filled with indignation. And they justified it by their inheritance from Abraham's seed. Henceforth, the lock up the apostles for not conforming to their religion. But, God is in change and the Spirit is on the loose. God sends an angel who opens the doors. And the Spirit drives them to the temple to teach the people about Jesus. And by their teaching, which is being Spirit lead, has the people questioning the actions of the priests, The uproar is so much that even the officers of the temple are fearful for their lives. Talk about a change of events.

God takes the simple and uses them for his purpose. Again, consider that the apostles were teaching and not preaching. This too is important. When the captain and his brigade did round them up again, there was no violence. The apostles were Spirit lead in all things. And that is how God works.

Lord, give us the protection of the apostles as we witness for your son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Russ Nixon rwnixon57@yahoo.com