Acts 5:17-21 (NRSV)
Read Acts 5:17-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 17Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, Verse 18arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. Verse 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, Verse 20"Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life." Verse 21When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching. When the high priest and those with him arrived, they called together the council and the whole body of the elders of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
Devotion
It is hard to accept the fact that the gospel, though very good news, is not always welcome. This is true even for us who bear the mark of Christ’s cross upon our brow. Luther described believers as simul iustus et peccator — simultaneously saint and sinner. Our confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ is always warring with unbelief; our commitment to discipleship is constantly threatened by our desire to serve our own interests. The high priest and Sadducees are within us as well as around us. Yet the angel of the Lord continues to open the doors of imprisoned hearts so that we may proclaim to others and hear for ourselves the words of life.
Prayer
Lord of mercy, open all hearts to you so that you may enter in and free us from envy, self-centeredness and doubt. Amen.