Biblical Reference: Acts 5:17-42

Context and Background:
The event of the apostles being arrested and subsequently freed is a significant episode in the early history of the Christian Church, as recorded in the Book of Acts. This narrative takes place in Jerusalem, shortly after the Day of Pentecost, when the apostles were actively preaching the gospel and performing miracles in the name of Jesus Christ. The early church was experiencing rapid growth, which drew the attention and ire of the Jewish religious authorities.

The Arrest:
The high priest and his associates, who were members of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy due to the apostles' growing influence and the signs and wonders being performed among the people. Acts 5:17-18 states, "Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, rose up with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail."

The Sadducees, known for their denial of the resurrection and other supernatural elements, were particularly threatened by the apostles' teachings about Jesus' resurrection. Their authority and doctrinal positions were being challenged, prompting them to take action against the apostles.

Divine Intervention:
During the night, an angel of the Lord intervened, opening the doors of the jail and bringing the apostles out. The angel instructed them to return to the temple courts and continue proclaiming the message of life. Acts 5:19-20 records, "But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, 'Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.'"

This miraculous deliverance underscored the divine approval and support for the apostles' mission, emphasizing that no human authority could thwart God's purposes.

The Apostles' Boldness:
Obedient to the angel's command, the apostles entered the temple courts at daybreak and began to teach. When the Sanhedrin convened and sent for the apostles, they found the jail securely locked but empty. The perplexed authorities soon learned that the apostles were teaching in the temple courts. Acts 5:25 states, "Then someone came and said, 'Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people!'"

The captain and his officers brought the apostles before the Sanhedrin without force, fearing the reaction of the people. The high priest questioned them, reminding them of the strict orders not to teach in Jesus' name. Peter and the apostles responded with conviction, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

Gamaliel's Counsel:
The Sanhedrin was enraged and considered putting the apostles to death. However, a respected Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, advised caution. He reminded the council of past movements that had failed and suggested that if the apostles' work was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was from God, they would not be able to stop it. Acts 5:38-39 records his counsel: "So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

Release and Continued Ministry:
The Sanhedrin heeded Gamaliel's advice, and after flogging the apostles, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. The apostles left rejoicing, having been counted worthy to suffer for the Name. Acts 5:41-42 concludes, "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. And every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."

This episode highlights the unwavering commitment of the apostles to their divine commission, the futility of human opposition to God's work, and the joy found in suffering for the sake of Christ.