10 April 2024
Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, ‘Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.’ When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.
From Acts 5:17-26, NRSV
Today’s reading from Acts reminds us of the risks faced by the apostles in their preaching and testimony. This was not their first or last imprisonment by those intent on blocking the proclamation of the gospel. On this occasion, they were miraculously released so that they could return to the the temple to continue their preaching. Many great trials lay ahead for the apostles as they came into frequent conflict with the religious leaders. They were not always miraculously rescued from punishment, but their message could not be blocked by the action of the Sadducees or by the persecutions that were to follow.
- What do you think would have been the impact of the teaching of the apostles following their miraculous release from prison?
- Is facing risk or challenge a necessary part of being a Christian?
Pray for those who will face persecution, arrest or torture today because of their Christian beliefs.
