17 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees ), and they were filled with jealousy . 18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail . 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison , and taking them out he said , 20 "Go , stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life ." 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach . Now when the high priest and his associates came , they called the Council together , even all the Senate of the sons of Israel , and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought . 22 But the officers who came did not find them in the prison ; and they returned and reported back, 23 saying , "We found the prison house locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors ; but when we had opened up, we found no one inside ." 24 Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words , they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this . 25 But someone came and reported to them, "The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people !"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 5:17-25
Commentary on Acts 5:17-25
(Read Acts 5:17-25)
There is no prison so dark, so strong, but God can visit his people in it, and, if he pleases, fetch them out. Recoveries from sickness, releases out of trouble, are granted, not that we may enjoy the comforts of life, but that God may be honoured with the services of our life. It is not for the preachers of Christ's gospel to retire into corners, as long as they can have any opportunity of preaching in the great congregation. They must preach to the lowest, whose souls are as precious to Christ as the souls of the greatest. Speak to all, for all are concerned. Speak as those who resolve to stand to it, to live and die by it. Speak all the words of this heavenly, divine life, in comparison with which the present earthly life does not deserve the name. These words of life, which the Holy Ghost puts into your mouth. The words of the gospel are the words of life; words whereby we may be saved. How wretched are those who are vexed at the success of the gospel! They cannot but see that the word and power of the Lord are against them; and they tremble for the consequences, yet they will go on.