Undeterred Zeal

Acts 5:17

But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is the party of the Sadducces), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.

 

 

During this time period, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the apostles. Contrary to the high priests' order, they had not stopped teaching and preaching about Jesus! In fact they were held in high esteem and many were gathered together on Solomon's Portico to listen and to be healed. Multitudes of men and women were added to the Lord. The Spirit was building God's church. In addition to preaching, there were many healings. People lay on cots and mats waiting for Peter to walk by so that his shadow might fall on them. How powerful! People from neighboring towns came with their sick physically and spiritually, and all were healed. How glorious!

 

But how did the high priest handle this blatant disobedience? The high priest and his party rose up in a jealous rage and arrested the apostles and put them in prison. During the night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and delivered them saying, Go stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life. The apostles didn't need to be told twice. Immediately, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Wow!

 

In the meantime, the high priest and his party called together the council and the senate of the people to send for the apostles to be brought to them. What a surprise! Their officers found the prison empty even though the doors were locked, and the guard were at their posts. They were all perplexed. What had happened? Where were their prisoners? Into this mix came a messenger to tell them that their prisoners were standing and teaching in the temple.What a shocker! The officers who were sent for the men feared for their lives so no force was used. What could the high priest possibly say to the apostles? It appeared as if their words had no power at all. Certainly God's calling was His enabling! His church was being built through His great power! What an amazing time this was! So much fervor and fire! The men disregarded the negative and went forward to obey the Lord. Undeterred, the gospel of Jesus was preached, and many were added to the church.

 

Father,

Give me such faith and zeal. Open my eyes to the opportunities that You have for me. Give me the courage to speak Your truth.

In Jesus name,

Amen