Continuing in this series where the Apostles are arrested and freed, this is part two. Acts 5:21b-26. We seen the miracles and the arrest, followed by the get out of jail free card. We’ve also seen the apostles being obedient to God’s will. Let’s see what happens next eh?
Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
The Apostles Arrested and Freed, Part Two
Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
This was not a casual get-together. This was a serious judgment time. Calling together the high priests, the council, and the senate. Calling for the apostles in for questioning.
Can you imagine their surprise?
22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.”
SHOCK
I’m betting those guards were scared witless. Back in the day letting prisoners escape wasn’t exactly met with a slap on the wrist. But at least the prison doors were securely locked and the guards were still on duty. I’m guessing that might have helped, but I don’t really know. The prisoners…. GONE. Can’t you just picture the absolute shock everyone must have been in?
24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to.
And then to discover that the apostles didn’t run away but were doing the very thing they were locked up for! Preaching to the people.
25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.”
The end result, brought before all the muckety mucks. Not forcefully, because the police of the day, were afraid of the crowd using force against them.
26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
So in the end nothing really changed.
- The guards probably frightened, but there was proof they did no wrong.
- Mob control had to be maintained, a quiet “can you come along with us” rather than a forceful dragging along.
- They ended up standing before the council, high priests, and senate.
What was the point then?
- Putting the fear of God into the leadership?
- Testing the apostles and their determination to preach to the people as God told them to?
- Showing the Jewish leaders that God is more than?
- Helping us to see the benefits of obedience?
- Showing us the power of God through the preaching of his word.
Hmm… consider this.
The police of the day asked the apostles to come rather than forcefully compelling them to come along. Because they were afraid of the potential voilence from the crowd. A crowd of people who “were so fully persuaded that a divine power attended the apostles, that they held their persons sacred, and would not have borne any open attack upon them.” (Hub) Eye-opening I’m guessing for the police force eh? When the head-honchos want a job done… you tend not to mess around. But here they took their time and played nice.
So God’s power at work.
God’s power shows up all the time.
We saw the miracles and works of wonder.
We saw the apostles arrested, jailed, and then walk out freely.
The amazement of the Jewish rulers at the locked jail and empty cells. we’ve seen.
Also seen in the fervour of the crowds with the apostles that the police had to be careful.
Isn’t it so cool to be aware of the might of God to move in the lives of his people?
Follow Along
If you are interested in the rest of the series you will find them here eh?
- Acts 1:1-5
- Acts 1:6-11
- Acts 1:12-26
- Acts 2:1-13
- Acts 2:14-41
- Acts 2:42-47
- Acts 3:1-10
- Acts 3:11-16
- Acts 3:17-26
- Acts 4:1-4
- Acts 4:5-12
- Acts 4: 13-22
- Acts 4:23-31
- Acts 5:1-11
- Acts 5:12-16
- Acts 5:17-21a
- Acts 5:21b-26
Leave a Reply