The account of the apostles being arrested and subsequently freed is a significant event in the early history of the Christian Church, as recorded in the Book of Acts. This narrative highlights the growing tension between the nascent Christian movement and the established Jewish religious authorities, as well as the divine intervention that underscores the apostles' mission.

Context and Background

The events take place in Jerusalem, shortly after the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the Gospel with boldness and perform miraculous signs. The early chapters of Acts describe the rapid growth of the Christian community, which drew the attention and ire of the Jewish religious leaders, particularly the Sadducees, who were disturbed by the apostles' teaching about Jesus' resurrection.

The Arrest

In Acts 5:17-18 , it is recorded: "Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail." The apostles' growing influence and the miraculous healings performed in Jesus' name threatened the authority and doctrinal positions of the Sadducees, prompting them to take action against the apostles.

Divine Intervention

Despite their imprisonment, the apostles' mission was not thwarted. Acts 5:19-20 states: "But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, 'Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.'" This miraculous release underscored the divine approval and support for the apostles' mission, emphasizing that no human authority could hinder the spread of the Gospel.

Return to Preaching

Obedient to the angel's command, the apostles returned to the temple courts at daybreak and resumed their teaching. This act of defiance against the Sanhedrin's authority demonstrated their unwavering commitment to their divine commission. Acts 5:21 notes: "When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles."

Confrontation with the Sanhedrin

Upon discovering the apostles were not in the jail, the temple guards were perplexed. Eventually, the apostles were found teaching in the temple courts and were brought before the Sanhedrin. Acts 5:27-28 records the high priest's rebuke: "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man's blood."

The Apostles' Defense

In response, Peter and the other apostles boldly declared their allegiance to God over human authority. Acts 5:29 states: "But Peter and the other apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than men.'" They proceeded to testify about Jesus' resurrection and exaltation, asserting that He is the Savior and offering repentance and forgiveness of sins.

Gamaliel's Counsel and Release

The Sanhedrin, enraged by the apostles' defiance, considered severe punishment. However, a respected Pharisee named Gamaliel advised caution. Acts 5:38-39 records his counsel: "So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

Following Gamaliel's advice, the Sanhedrin flogged the apostles, ordered them not to speak in Jesus' name, and released them. The apostles, however, rejoiced in their suffering for Christ and continued to preach daily in the temple and from house to house, as noted in Acts 5:41-42 .

This episode in the Book of Acts illustrates the early Church's resilience and the divine endorsement of their mission, setting a precedent for Christian perseverance in the face of persecution.