The great Prison Break !

They seem to be going against the grain. They were breaking the law, while accumulating quite a record and a string of court appearances.   They had to represent themselves, not to many lawyers in their right mind would take their cases.

The crimes (to the area leaders), were unheard of.  These people were speaking publicly, to crowds and small groups while also taking their message house to house.  Their rap sheet was long and disturbing. Such things as :  Healing the sick, raising the dead, sharing their goods and telling people about trusting in Christ's life, death on the cross and resurrection.  They were warned not to speak or teach the name of Jesus.

After people falling dead from telling lies, and others healed from sickness and even demons.  Many believed in Christ and began to follow Him. The powers that be were filled with indignation, (ticked) and arrested them and locked them up in the common prison.

But an angel of God showed up and opened the prison doors.  "Go, stand and speak to the people all the Word of this life."

GO:  We are to move out in all directions toward all people.  We are to show and tell the gospel  of Christ and Him Crucified.  Jesus said "Go and make disciples....."Filled with the power and authority they went, not paralyzed by their fear but mobilized by God's peace.

STAND:  When they persecute you or health issues come your way, stand. We are not to be wishy washy and not compromising your message. Stand on the promises of God's word, and to those who are faithful? Go and stand.

SPEAK:  Many are going,  some standing,  but there are those who are  not  telling or sharing the message God wants told.  Have we watered down or as Paul said; "Preaching another gospel which is no gospel at all."  We are giving the bread (wonder bread) for life but not the Bread (Christ) of Life!

After the Divine prison break  they went and stood and spoke and were arrested again "Didn't we tell you not speak about or teach in His Name?"  Peter then correctly  said:  "We ought to obey God, rather than men"

Following all this mess and a beating (something we may know not of), they let them Go.  I like then,  ACTS 5: 41,42-   "So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ."

Let us Go and do likewise!