Today we met the apostles at a point of bondage after being arrested and put in prison. However, an angel of the Lord comes and sets them free. With this freedom, the angel also gives them a commission: to go and speak to the people the words of life.

At one point, we as believers were in bondage. We were slaves to sin, to self, and in that darkness we were set free. We were saved from the prison of sin and give a similar commission: to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them the law and good news of the Gospel.

For the apostles in this passage, out of the overflow of grace and mercy they have received, they go boldly and continue to preach the good news of Jesus, and joyfully living a life of discipline to His teachings.

Today as you read through this passage, I’d luck us to put ourselves in the place of these apostles and ask ourselves:

Is my life an overflow of joy and grace as a result of what Jesus has done for me?
What would it look like to really live a life overflowing with the grace we’ve been given?

[Acts 5.17-42]

5.17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What are the similarities to us and the apostles in this passage?

+ What does the angel commission them with?

+ What is their response to this commission?

+ What is the worlds response to their actions? [hint: there are two responses]

+ What does our response look like?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How is God calling you to obedience?

+ What sin is God placing on your heart right now that He is asking you to turn from and living a life of obedience in response to?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who can I confess this sin to?

+ Who am I walking with that I can share the Good News of Jesus with?

+ God works in many ways to give and restore joy to us. Sometimes that is directly through our time with God, but many times he uses others. Who are you walking with, who is filling you with joy, and who are you on mission with?