Jesus has given up His life to ransom the souls of men, but death could not hold Him. Risen again, He promises a power that will come over His people.
Despite the joy that He is alive and interceding in the heavenlies on their behalf, heartache has...
"Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life!"
When Robert heard, he trembled. Surely it was time to lay low, God would understand. But Peter and John obeyed the angel, entering again into the temple early in the morning, teaching again Christ crucified and living again, one step ahead of the council who had no inkling that they were doing expressly what they'd be arrested for... twice!
"Bring them forth," Annas yawned into his hand.
"S-sir, they aren't in the the the the prison!," the officers declared, stammering, "The d-doors are all shut, the keepers standing guard, but no man are within!"
"How can it be?" the priests were speechless, glancing up as a fourth officer ran in, his feet slamming hard against the cobblestones.
Ben clutched his thighs, doubled over from the exertion. If only he'd not had the third helping of breakfast. Knowing they were impatient, and with good cause, he wheezed out his information, "The prisoners are in the temple, teaching the people!"
"Go. Get them!," Caiaphas ordered, "But gently!"
The captain didn't let his authority down, casually leading them back into the council hall."Didn't we tell you clearly that you are forbidden to teach in this Name? Look! You've filled Jerusalem with this crazy doctrine. What is your intention? To bring us under a curse for this man's spilled blood?"
"We ought to obey God rather than men," Peter declared, "You killed Jesus, but He has risen again in power and authority. He is a Savior for Israel, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins. We're His witnesses and so is the Holy Ghost, whom God has given to those who obey Him."
Convicted, but unrepentant, the council determined to kill them had not Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, and a Pharisee, highly respected stood up. "Leave them be. Be careful of what you plan to do to these men. If what they do is of men, it will fail. If it is of God, you can't stand against Him. You don't want to be caught fighting against God." With words of wisdom, Gamaliel quieted the council, persuading them.
Once again, they let the apostles go, but only after commanding them again not to speak in the Name of Jesus, and leaving them with the memory of being beaten for the sake of the Lord. Mavy cried when she saw the marks upon the apostles, speechless that rather than being sorrowful and complaining, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the Name of Jesus. Instead of being silenced, even under threat and beatings, daily in the temple and house to house they didn't stop teaching and preaching Jesus Christ and the remission of sins.
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