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Day 8 Acts 5:17 Acts 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, 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. 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. 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. 26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straightly command you that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. 33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. 34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught. 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught: 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. When was the last time you stood up for what you believed? What did it cost you for doing so? Peter and John were put in prison for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people. However, an angel freed them and they continued to teach in the temple. When brought before the council, they told the high priest it was better to obey God than man. They were beaten for their actions against the council and sent away with an admonishment to stop preaching and teaching about Jesus. However, they continued because it was the will of God to tell everyone about Jesus. As Christians, you are to obey God when it comes to doing His will, teaching and preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are not to stand down and allow man to tell you what you will do when it comes to God’s work. Yet, many Christians are afraid of what will happen to them if someone were to find out they are Christians. They live their Christian lives in secret so they don’t upset anybody. Then there are those who boldly proclaim Jesus Christ without fear of what will happen to them. Many have faced death at the hands of those they witness too, and yet nothing stops them from proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Which type of Christian are you? The silent one or the bold one? Peter and John rejoiced that they were beaten for the gospel of Jesus Christ and continued to teach and preach even more. Let’s pray: Father, help me be bold for You. Give me Your words when I meet people who would hush Your Word in my mouth. Don’t let fear keep my mouth closed. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 19 January 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay