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

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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.

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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.

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