Acts 5:17-40

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Acts 5:17-40

17Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out
18and arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.
19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying,
20“Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”
21At daybreak the apostles entered the temple courts as they had been told and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin — the full assembly of the elders of Israel — and sent to the jail for the apostles.
22But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they returned with the report:
23“We found the jail securely locked, with the guards posted at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”
24When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this account, they were perplexed as to what was happening.
25Then someone came in and announced, “Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people!”
26At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles— but not by force, for fear the people would stone them.
27They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them.
28“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.”
29But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.
30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree.
31God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.
32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
33When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved to put the apostles to death.
34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time.
35“Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men.
36Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.
37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.
38So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail.
39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
40At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.
— Acts 5:17-40

Related Resources from Heartlight

Wise Counsel and the Test of Time
Devo: Unstoppable!

"When [the high council] heard [the apostles' testimony about Jesus' resurrection], the high council was furious and decided to kill them. But one..."

Can't Be Shut Up! (Part 1)
Devo: Unstoppable!

"The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy [because of the crowds that came to the apostles for healing]. They....."

Can't Be Shut Up! (Part 2)
Devo: Unstoppable!

"But when the Temple guards went to the jail, the [apostles] were gone. So they returned to the council and reported, "The jail was securely locked,..."

The One Whom We Obey
Devo: Unstoppable!

"The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. Then they...."

The Power Behind the Witnesses
Devo: Unstoppable!

"[Continuing before the high council which was threatening him, Peter said,] "The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him...."

We Must Obey God!
Devo: Together in Christ

"Then [the Temple guards] brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. "We gave you strict orders never again...."

Witnesses
Devo: God's Holy Fire

"[Peter and the apostles before the Sanhedrin:] "The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then God put..."

Great Joy in Believing
Devo: A Year with Jesus

"Dear Precious One, I know faith is not easy, especially now living nearly two thousand years after My death, burial, and resurrection. So I want us....."

Undaunted!
Devo: A Year with Jesus

"Dear Faithful Follower, Yesterday, I asked you to read about the paralyzed man that I healed through Peter and John. I wanted you to see the..."

Acts 5:29
Devo: Today's Verse

"Peter and the other apostles replied [to their religious critics among the Sadducees, priests, and Sanhedrin]: "We must obey God rather than men!""

Acts 5:30
Devo: Today's Verse

"[Peter continued the apostles' defense for proclaiming Jesus as Messiah and Lord:] "The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead — whom you had killed by....."

Acts 5:32
Devo: Today's Verse

"We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

Spurgeon AM Devo for Apr. 22nd
Devo: Morning & Evening

"Jesus, our Lord, once crucified, dead and buried, now sits upon the throne of glory. The highest place that heaven affords is his by undisputed right...."

The Witness of the Holy Spirit
Devo: God's Holy Fire

"[Peter said,] "We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.""

Rejoicing in Their Suffering
Devo: Unstoppable!

"The others [on the council] accepted [Gamaliel's] advice [to let the Jesus-movement run its course to see if it was really the work of God]. They..."

Cross References for Acts 5:17-40

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.