Unstoppable! 'Can't Be Shut Up! (Part 1)' — Acts 5:17-21

Thursday, March 12, 2026

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 arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, "Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!"

So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching.

When the high priest and his officials arrived, they convened the high council — the full assembly of the elders of Israel. Then they sent for the apostles to be brought from the jail for trial.

— Acts 5:17-21 NLT

Key Thought

The apostles' passionate obedience to the call of God is inspirational. They knew they were risking their lives when they disobeyed the high priest and his officials by proclaiming Jesus publicly. They had the "message of life!" How could they not declare it? Threats didn't stop them. Arrest didn't contain them. They were propelled by their love for Jesus, their conviction that he had been raised from the dead, and the call of their Lord to share his message with their lost friends, neighbors, and even enemies.

Today's Prayer

O Father, awaken our courage and passion to share the message of life in our day. We ask this in Jesus' name and for his sake. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 5:17-21 NLT — 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 arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, "Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!" So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching. When the high priest and his officials arrived, they convened the high council — the full assembly of the elders of Israel. Then they sent for the apostles to be brought from the jail for trial.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, March 12, 2026

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 19:1-2
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Discerning What Is False' (Jn. 8:13-16)
"[After Jesus had said he is the light of the world, the] Pharisees replied, "You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid."..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Growing through Problems'
"Dear Beloved, The apostle Paul spoke the truth about Our — Father, Son, and Spirit's — desire for Our new covenant people when he..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Harvest of Righteousness' (2 Co. 9:9-10)
"Dear Father, righteous and gracious God, You are the God about whom it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor, his righteousness..."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!