17 Provoked mightily by all this, the Chief Priest and those on his side, mainly the sect of Sadducees, went into action, 18 arrested the apostles, and put them in the town jail. 19 But during the night an angel of God opened the jailhouse door and led them out. 20 He said, "Go to the Temple and take your stand. Tell the people everything there is to say about this Life." 21 Promptly obedient, they entered the Temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 5:17-21
Commentary on Acts 5:17-25
(Read Acts 5:17-25)
There is no prison so dark, so strong, but God can visit his people in it, and, if he pleases, fetch them out. Recoveries from sickness, releases out of trouble, are granted, not that we may enjoy the comforts of life, but that God may be honoured with the services of our life. It is not for the preachers of Christ's gospel to retire into corners, as long as they can have any opportunity of preaching in the great congregation. They must preach to the lowest, whose souls are as precious to Christ as the souls of the greatest. Speak to all, for all are concerned. Speak as those who resolve to stand to it, to live and die by it. Speak all the words of this heavenly, divine life, in comparison with which the present earthly life does not deserve the name. These words of life, which the Holy Ghost puts into your mouth. The words of the gospel are the words of life; words whereby we may be saved. How wretched are those who are vexed at the success of the gospel! They cannot but see that the word and power of the Lord are against them; and they tremble for the consequences, yet they will go on.