Courage-Bold

Acts 5:17–42 KJV 1900

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, 23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. 24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. 25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. 26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. 33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. 34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Courage is not the absence of fear—it is obedience in the face of it.

In Acts 5:17–42, the apostles stand boldly before hostile religious leaders, demonstrating what it means to be an unstoppable witness. This passage shows us how the early Church continued to proclaim Christ despite threats, imprisonment, and persecution. Their example calls us to live with conviction and courage in our witness today.

I. The Persecution of the Faithful (vv. 17–18)

 (Acts 5:17–18 “17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.”

A. The Reason – Jealousy over Influence

The religious leaders were not driven by righteousness, but by rivalry.

The apostles were gaining attention and followers through miracles and preaching.

Illustration: the apostles were drawing focus away from the “established” leaders.

Application: When you stand for truth, opposition will come—not because you're wrong, but because you're effective. Faithfulness may stir jealousy, even among religious circles.

Supporting Verse:

(2 Timothy 3:12 “12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

II. The Provision of God’s Power (vv. 19–21a)

Acts 5:19–20 “19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”

A. The Intervention – Divine Escape

God sends an angel to miraculously open prison doors—no guards stopped them.

This shows that no earthly prison can silence God’s message.

B. The Instruction – Return and Preach

The apostles are told to go right back to where they were arrested—bold obedience is required.

Illustration: It’s like being told to walk back into a burning building to rescue someone—you obey not because it’s safe, but because it’s right.

Application: God doesn’t always remove us from danger but empowers us to walk through it. Obedience often means stepping back into hard places with courage.

Supporting Verse:

 (Matthew 10:28 “28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

III. The Persistence of the Witness (vv. 21b–26)

Despite threats, the apostles are found back in the temple teaching.

The guards retrieve them peacefully, fearing the people’s reaction.

A. The Obedience in Public

They didn’t hide or go underground—they preached publicly.

B. The Impact on the Crowd

Their boldness began to sway public perception—people respected them.

Illustration: These apostles’ consistent witness in the temple sparked revival.

Application: God can use your steadfast witness to influence others—even when the opposition watches. Your obedience is louder than your words.

IV. The Proclamation of the Gospel (vv. 27–33)

Acts 5:28–29 “28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”

A. The Confrontation – Obedience Over Orders

Peter boldly declares they will obey God, not man.

Their allegiance is not to human authority but to divine command.

Supporting Verse:

 Galatians 1:10 “10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

B. The Content – Clear Gospel Message

Peter preaches: Jesus was killed, raised, exalted, and offers repentance and forgiveness.

The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey—power and purpose go hand-in-hand.

Illustration: The apostles weren’t defending themselves—they were proclaiming Christ. Like someone on trial using their closing argument not to plead innocence but to share the Good News.

Application: We aren’t called to defend our comfort—we’re called to declare the Gospel. Faithfulness means speaking the truth even when it's not safe.

V. The Protection through God’s Sovereignty (vv. 34–40)

Acts 5:38–39 “38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”

A. The Voice of Reason – Gamaliel’s Advice

A respected Pharisee speaks up—his advice: let God deal with them if they’re wrong.

He cited historical precedents, reminding them of past movements that rose and fell on their own. He advised caution instead of rash actions.

Today’s Context: Gamaliel's stance can be likened to many today who don't necessarily stand against faith but don't fully embrace it either.

His wisdom was rooted in a belief that time would reveal the truth of the matter.

Application: Gamaliel's approach might sound reasonable, even wise. After all, he's advocating patience, a virtue.

But there's a danger in perpetually sitting on the fence, in perpetual skepticism.

Faith requires action, an active step, not endless waiting.

But we see Even opposition can be used by God to protect His people.

B. The Outcome – Flogged but Freed

They are beaten but not killed. God’s hand protects and limits the damage.

Illustration: God used a Pharisee to preserve the Church. Like a chess master, God moves even opposing pieces to accomplish His plan.

Application: Trust God’s sovereignty. The outcomes may involve suffering, but the mission won’t be stopped.

VI. The Praise in the Pain (vv. 41–42)

Acts 5:41 “41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”

A. Rejoicing in Suffering

They didn’t complain—they rejoiced. Why? Because suffering affirmed their connection to Christ.

Supporting Verse:

 1 Peter 4:14–16 “14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

B. Relentless in Teaching

Acts 5:42 “42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

They didn’t slow down—they ramped up. The fire of faith burned brighter after the furnace.

Illustration: Like gold refined in fire, the apostles came out purer and bolder. Their trials became testimony.

Application: Don’t quit in the face of pain—praise God through it. And don’t let fear delay your witness. The name of Jesus is worth every cost.

Conclusion:

The apostles were unstoppable—not because they had influence, money, or power—but because they were filled with the Spirit, focused on Jesus, and fearless in their witness.

We are called to the same courage today.

Will you be an unstoppable witness?

Will you stand for Christ against all odds?