Page 69 - acts_study_book1
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Act 5:23 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.
The officers explain to the leaders that they had done their job the night before. The prison
doors were not only close, safety locks were in place and guards were stationed outside the
prison doors. Even though no one was inside the prison, the guards had properly performed
their duty. In other words, the only explanation for the prisoners being freed is a miracle.
Act 5:24 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.
The leaders of the Sanhedrin are at a loss for words. Their desire is to keep this movement
from growing, and they do not know what to do to stop it.
THE THIRD ARREST OF THE APOSTLES (25-27)
When the religious leaders discover the apostles teaching the Word of God in the temple, they
arrest them again. Because they fear the crowd’s reaction, the captain arrests them quietly.
Act 5:25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are
standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
The leaders of the government are so out of touch with what has taken place, the disciples are
already in the temple teaching the Word of God, and they know nothing about it. While these
same leaders are preparing to interrogate the disciples, the disciples are in the temple doing
the will of God.
Act 5:26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they
feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
The first reaction of the captain and officers is to grab the apostles and make a public display of
them. However, they recognize the popularity of the disciples, and the people are gathering by
the thousands to hear them speak and see the miracles they are performing.
The captain and officers then decide to arrest them without making a scene. They fear the
reaction of the crowd.
The disciples willingly go with the temple guards when they are asked, demonstrating their
submissive hearts.
