Through miraculous healings and signs of wonder, God strengthened His church using the apostles of the Christ as living vessels. The Lord also manifested His divine power through Ananias and Sapphira, whose lives He extinguished after their lie was exposed by Peter and John.
As the apostles continued to preach the gospel and share the truth about Jesus, the risen Messiah, their actions stirred up controversy among the Sanhedrin, which prompted Annas to go on the offensive once again to prevent the teaching of the apostles.
“17 Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, 18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.” (Acts 5:17-18)
Annas and the Sadducees were determined to stop the apostles from preaching the truth about the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of salvation for those who put their faith in Him. Because they ignored the warning of the Sanhedrin, the apostles were arrested once again and put in prison.
“19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” (Acts 5:19-20)
God manifested His presence once more by sending an angel to free the apostles from prison, then through the same angel, instructing the freed disciples of the Lord to continue their mission to advance the gospel, and share God’s promise.
“21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.” (Acts 5:21)
Upon being freed from prison and hearing God’s command for them, the apostles made their way to the Jerusalem temple where they continued their walk along the narrow path that leads to eternal life, preaching the gospel and teaching seekers about the life, death and resurrection of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God almighty
Imprisonment was only one form of persecution facing the apostles and disciples of the Lord. Soon, the apostles’ lives would be at risk. Eventually, martyr death would find many of them which brings up one question. How far would you go in Jesus’ name? Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
