The Book of Acts
Lesson Number 23
TRANSLATION LEGEND: ALT = Analytical-Literal Translation (2005), AMPLIFIED = Amplified Bible (1965), ASV = American Standard Version (1901), BBE=Bible in Basic English (1949), DRA = Douay-Rheims (1899), ERV = English Revised Version (1885), ESV = English Stand Version (2001), GNB = Good News (1966), GWN = God’S Word (1995), IE = International English, ISV = International Standard Version (1967), JPS = Jewish Publication Society (1917), KJV = King James Version (1611), L.ITV = Literal Translation of the Bible ((1976), LIVING = Living Bible (1971), MKJV = Modern KJV (1962), MONTGOMERY = Montgomery’s New Testament (2001), MRD = Peshitta-James Murdock Translation (1852), NAB = New American Bible (2002), NASB = New American Standard Bible (1977), NAU = New American Standard Bible (1995), NIB = New International Bible, NIV = New International Version (1984), NJB = New Jerusalem Bible (1985), NKJV = New King James Version (1979), NLT =New Living Translation (1996), NRSV = New Revised Standard Version (1989), PHILLIPS = J B Phillips New Testament (1962), PNT = BISHOP’S New Testament (1595), RSV = Revised Standard Version (1952), TNK = JPS Tanakj (1985), Webster = The Webster Bible (1833),WEYMOUTH = Weymouth’s New Testament (1903), WILLIAMS = William’s New Testament (1937), TYNDALE = Tyndale’s Bible (1526), WYCLIFFE = Wycliffe New Testament (1382), YLT =Young’s Literal Translation (1862).
---------- Lexicon and Bible Translation Codes with Identification -----------
LEXICON LEGEND: FRIEBERG = Friberg Lexicon, UBS = UBS Lexicon, LOUW-NIDA = Louw-Nida Lexicon, LIDDELL SCOTT = Liddell Scott Lexicon, THAYER = Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, LEH = LEH Lexicon, GINGRICH = Gingrich Lexicon
DISCLAIMER: The quoting of other translations is not to be taken as a condoning of them. My purpose is rather to show the remarkable diversity, and sometimes outright contradictions that exist among these various versions of Scripture. Our understanding of the Word of God ultimately depends upon our comprehension of the Lord Himself and His eternal purpose. Where this understanding is not present, we are shut up to scholasticism and conjecture, both of which are of the world, not of God.
THE APOSTLES ARRESTED
“ 5:17 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.” (Acts 5:17-28)
INTRODUCTION
This text records the third time the apostles have confronted irrate Jewish authorities – men who were disturbed by the message and works of the ambassadors of Jesus. Further, they boldly confronted and opposed the apostles, even doing so openly.
➪ (1) – “And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide” (Acts 4:1-3).
➪ (2) – “And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” (Acts 4:6-7).
➪ (3) – “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, and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison” (Acts 5:17-18).
The truth of the Gospel disrupted the manner of thinking of these leaders, and conflicted with their emphasis – an emphasis they thought perfectly comported with the Law. Although a highway had been raised up by God to escape the condemnation of the law, the world, and all of its misconceptions, these men stand up in defiance against the messengers of the Gospel – the good news that announced and facilitated spiritual liberty. This highway had been prophesied by Isaiah: “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein” (Isa 35:8). However, these opposing leaders saw no correlation between the prophecies of holy prophets and the Lord Jesus Christ and His ambassadors. They could not make the connection between the Person and accomplishments of Jesus and the testimony of the law and the prophets. Speaking of this inability Paul wrote, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Cor 2:8).
These men had dominated the Jewish scene, so that few people dared to oppose them, or conduct their lives in a manner that was not approved by them. Some had even shunned to confess Christ before men because of the stilted requirements imposed upon them by this motley group of pretenders. On one occasion during Christ’s ministry, He healed a man who was born blind. The miracle was very disconcerting to the religious leaders, and thus they questioned the man’s parents to confirm how he was healed. His parents declined to answer, saying their son could answer for himself. John provides an explanation for that refusal. “These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him” (John 9:23).
Not long before He was betrayed into the hands of wicked men, there were a number of “chief rulers” who believed in Jesus. Yet, they would not acknowledge that fact, but concealed it from the people, not confessing Jesus. John again gives the reason for their conduct. “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43).
Now, however, these pretentious men will confront liberated souls who are walking with Christ and filled with the Spirit. These holy men will not be intimidated by these false leaders. They know “the fear of man bringeth a snare” (Prov 29:25). They are also keenly aware of the One they are serving: “the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim 6;15). They had personally heard the risen Christ say, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth” (Matt 28:18). With them, this was not merely a religious view, or the official position of the newly formed church. This was something that was alive in their spirits.
There are a number of things in contemporary Christianity that are outside the perimeter of God’s “eternal purpose” (Eph 3:11). However, at the head of the list is the promotion of a teaching that does not leave people with an acute awareness of the living God and His Christ. The members of the churches in our land are not being brought to a place where they live by faith and walk in the Spirit. A flood of human wisdom is poured over them that is quenching the Spirit and promoting fame for men. The average American congregation is not walking in the light as the Lord is in the light (1 John 1:7), and most everyone knows it. There is no spiritual cognizance of the presence of the Lord, and their best services are something like a high school pep rally that produces effects that soon wear off. The thrust of modern religion makes too much room for boasting, and too little for faith. There is a lot of disinterest, casualness, and downright carnality.
Notwithstanding these conditions, our text is delivering an arresting message to the modern church. Here we are reading of a different breed of teachers. They are absorbed with the message Christ, and are totally unintimidated by the threats of men. The people who hear them are forward to come together, submitting themselves to the Word of the Lord, and doing so with one accord and joy. When they are opposed by the highest ranking religious officials in their nation, they ignore their threats. When they are visited by messengers from heaven, they instantly obey. Their message has moral and spiritual power, and it produces satisfying effects in those who receive it. Make no mistake about this, we are being exposed to real spiritual life – the life Jesus being lived out in those who are living by faith.
THOSE WHO WERE FILLED WITH INDIGNATION
“ 5:17 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”
Remember, the apostles are teaching in the Temple, and multitudes of people are hearing and giving heed to them. They have been preaching good news. Allow me refresh your minds about the good things that have been declared from the day of Pentecost to this time.
➪ The prophecy of Joel concerning the pouring forth of the Spirit upon “all flesh” has been declared as taking place (2:15-18).
➪ Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved (2:21).
➪ Jesus had worked among the people, being “approved of God” among them “by miracles and wonders and signs” (2:22).
➪ Although Jesus had been “delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,” God had raised Him from the dead (2:23-32).
➪ It was impossible for death to maintain its hold on Jesus (2:24b).
➪ Jesus, being exalted to the right hand of God, had shed forth the Holy Spirit (2:33).
➪ God had made Jesus “both Lord and Christ” (2:35).
➪ Those who repented and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (2:38).
➪ The promised Spirit was for all who heard the Gospel, their children, and even those who were afar off (2:39).
➪ Men were told to “repent and be converted” in order that their sins might be “blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (3:19).
➪ God would “send Jesus” to the people, which was before preached to them (3:20).
➪ To the Jews first, God raised up Jesus, and sent Him to bless them, in “turning away” every one of them from their iniquities (3:26).
➪ Jesus was the Stone whom the builders rejected. Yet, God made Him the Head of the corner (4:11).
➪ There is no salvation in any other, “for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
➪ Peter and John boldly affirmed they could not “but speak the things which” they had “seen and heard” (4:20).
➪ With great power the apostles had given “witness to the resurrection of Christ” (4:33).
The apostles had also spoken frankly about sin, refusing to gloss it (2:23; 3:13-15,17; 4:11,19; 5:3-4,9).
Behold the candidness with which they spoke, and the unquestionable focus of their preaching. They did not address the state of the nation as such. Modern day domestic, social, and political issues were not addressed. Although they were Jews like Barabbas, they were not insurrectionists like him. They were not seeking political freedom or financial security. They were not preaching about the blessing of abundant wealth, financial security, and the health of the body. Every emphasis of this kind was introduced by other men. The apostles had no part in such preaching and teaching – and they are the foundation of the church (Eph 2:20).
Lest men become naive, thinking that such a good message will surely be received by all, our text will confirm this is not the case. When men and women are first born again, it is difficult for them to of conceive others not wanting what they have. They know what the truth has done for them, and they are sure that everyone else will be happy with truth of Christ also. However, it is not long before they find out this is not the case.
Those Who Opposed the Apostles
When those who are obviously caught up in the ways of the world reject the truth of God, it is not so surprising – although even that is disappointing to the tender of heart. However, when those who profess to be followers of God and devoted to His word reject the truth, that is another matter. That is the kind of thing that we find in our text. Here is opposition from the religious sector! Further, this was no ordinary religious sector. These were leaders among the people of whom it is said, “Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen” (Rom 9:4-5). Let me again emphasize, it is the LEADERS among the chosen people that will take an aggressive stand against the apostles.
Already these leaders have opposed Peter and John (Acts 4:1). Now they come against the apostles as a whole.
THE HIGH PRIEST AND ALL THAT WERE WITH HIM
“Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) . . .” Other versions read, “the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the part of the Sadducees” NIV “the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees),” NRSV “Then the high priest intervened with all his supporters from the party of the Sadducees,” NJB “The High Priest and his relatives and friends among the Sadducees reacted,” LIVING “This roused the High Priest. He and all his party - the sect of the Sadducees,” WEYMOUTH “Now the high priest took a stand, and all his friends, the party of the Sadducees,” WILLIAMS and “But the high priest rose up and all who were his supporters, that is, the party of the Sadducees.” AMPLIFIED
The high priest of reference was Caiaphas, who held that office throughout Christ’s ministry, consistently opposing the Lord, and even seeking his death. He was not a high priest after the order of Aaron, but, according to history, was appointed to his office by the procurator Valerius Gratus, under Tiberius. He continued in office from A.D. 26 to 37. FAUSSET’S BIBLE DICTIONARY It appears from Acts 5:17 that he himself was of the sect of the Sadducees. In reality, he was nothing more than a political pawn, appointed by the Roman government to assist in keeping the Jews in subjection to the government.
The high priest had a number of people who were aligned with him, and no doubt chosen by him. They are called his “associates,” NIV “his supporters,” NJB “his relatives and friends,” LIVING “All his part,” WEYMOUTH and “all his friends.” WILLIAMS They are further described as “the sect of the Sadducees.” Keep in mind that this sect, gathered by the high priest, was noted for their spiritual obtuseness. They said “there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit” (Acts 23:8; Matt 22:23; Mk 12:18; Lk 20:27). That contradicted the clear affirmations of both Moses and the prophets (Gen 16:7; Ex 3:2; 14:19; 33:2; Judges 6:11; Psa 91:11; Dan 3:28; Zech 1:9; Job 14;12; Isa 26:19). Yet, an alliance with these heretics suited the objectives of the high priest, and thus the Sadducees held a prominent part in the Jewish culture.
This is one of the plagues of institutionalized religion: it allows the for people with seriously contradicting views to be joined together in the name of the Lord. In such a case, the touchstone of acceptance has very little to do with God or Christ. God’s “eternal purpose,” though it has been revealed and expounded, has no place in such alliances. Therefore there is no necessity for men to subscribe to the revealed details of that purpose.
A God-Ordained Office
The “high priest” was a God-ordained office (Lev 21:10). Further, the high priest was a representative of the people, not a tyrant placed over them (Heb 9:7). Their duties had to do with Divine service, not public authority. Some of the ordained duties included the following.
➪ Had charge of the sanctuary and the altar (Num 18:2 – Aaron and sons).
➪ Offered sacrifices (Heb 5:1; 8:3).
➪ Designated subordinate priests for various duties (Num 4:19).
➪ Officiated at the consecration of the Levites (Num 8:11-21).
➪ Had charge of the treasury (2 Kgs 12:10).
➪ Lit the lamps in the Tabernacle, and the Temple (Ex 27:20-21).
➪ Burned incense (Ex 30:7).
➪ Placed showbread on the table (Lev 24:2,8).
➪ Offered sacrifices for his own sins and that of the people (Lev 4:3-12; Heb 5:1).
➪ Had special duties on the day of atonement (Ex 30:10; Lev 16:1-34; Heb 9:7).
➪ Took count of the people (Num 1:3).
➪ Officiated at the appointment of a ruler (Num 27:18-21 – Eleazar, Aaron’s oldest son, and his successor as high priest)
➪ Distributed spoils of war (Num 31:26-29 – Eleazar).
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but it does provide a sort of index concerning the duties of a high priest. He was more of a representative, than a ruler of the people. When he was involved with the people themselves, it was in order to bring the mind of the Lord to bear upon the matter.
In our text, there had been a departure from the real ministry of the high priest. Now he was viewed more as an authoritarian among his peers – almost like a king. In Jesus’ day, he dwelt in a “palace” (Matt 26:3; mk 14:54). When Jesus was arrested in the Garden a military band was sent from the high priest to lay hold on Him (Mk 14:47,53). Any likeness between the high priests of that day and the time of Aaron was purely coincidental. The office itself had become corrupted.
In the days of king Jehoash, the high priest Jehoiada was charged with repairing the house of the Lord (2 Kgs 12:7-12). In the days of king Josiah, Hilkiah the high priest also worked on the house of the Lord. He is the one who found the book of the Law in the house of God. He also removed from God’s house the vessels made for Baal (2 Kgs 22:4,8; 23:4). In the days of Nehemiah, Eliashib the high priest “rose up with his brethren, and they built the sheep gate and sanctified it” (Neh 3:1). In the days of Haggai, Joshua the high priest also engaged in rebuilding the house of the Lord (Hag 1:12-14). Zechariah had a vision of Joshua the high priest standing before the Lord receiving a change of raiment and deliverance from the power of Satan. He was also given a word about the coming Messiah (Zech 3:1-8).
However, in the time of our text, with all of that sacred history, the high priesthood was not noted for the work of the Lord. Rather, it is noted for opposing the work of the Lord. In the Gospels, the high priests are renowned for being against, arresting, trying, and condemning the Son of God (Matt 26;3,57-65; Mk 14:47-66; Lk 22:50;John 11:49-51; 18:13-26). Now, in the book of Acts, they are also noted for fighting the work of the Lord, as done through the apostles (Acts 4:6; 5:17,21,24,27; 7:1; 9:1; 22:5; 23:2,4,5; 24:1; 25:2).
What a remarkable degeneration had taken place in this ordained office! Instead of being servants of God, the high priest and council were fighting against Him, rejecting His Son, and opposing the apostles of the Lamb!
Now, upon seeing all of the activity within the Temple, and particularly in the large area of Solomon’s porch, the high priest and those with him “rose up.” That is, they “rose up” in defiance and opposition. They pushed themselves into the holy assembly, and “intervened” NJB in those sacred gatherings. They “took action” NRSV against the apostles, and were “roused” WEYMOUTH to a state of hostility against the truth of God.
Godly Jewish Leaders of the Past
In the Jewish history, godly leaders called for scribes and knowledgeable men to obtain Divine wisdom when needed.
➪ Under the Law, the dedication of leaders involved asking counsel of the Lord concerning them (Num 27:21).
➪ Of old time, when men set out to inquire of the Lord, they sought our a prophet, who was then called a “seer” (1 Sam 9:9).
➪ Jehoshaphat sought a prophet of the Lord who might inquire of the Lord for him (1 Kgs 22:5; ,7; 2 Kgs 3:11).
➪ When he fell ill, Benhadad, king of Syria, sent a man to inquire of Elisha if he would recover from the disease (2 Kgs 8:8).
➪ Hezekiah prayed to the Lord with the prophet Isaiah (2 Chron 32:20).
➪ Zedekiah sent messengers to Jeremiah, asking the prophet to pray for him (Jer 37:3).
➪ King Jeroboam, when judged by God, asked a man of God to pray for him (1 Kgs 13:6).
➪ When David confronted the Philistines, he inquired of the Lord concerning what he should do (1 Sam 23:2,4).
➪ When convicted that the nation was headed in the wrong direction, Josiah commanded a priest, a scribe, and other key men, to inquire of the Lord for him and all the people (2 Kgs 22:12-13).
For any informed Israelite, there was sufficient in the Law and the history of their nation to provoke them to ask of the Lord concerning something they not understand. Of all people, the high priest should have been most aware of this, for he was “ordained for men in things pertaining to God” (Heb 5:1).
However, in the text before us, the high priest did not inquire of the Lord concerning the activities of the apostles. Their religion had crystalized around their own traditions, so that holy procedures were altogether forgotten. They will proceed in their own worldly perspective, not seeking wisdom from the Lord. This contradicted the nature of their office, and confirmed how far the Jewish system had drifted from its ancient moorings.
The Danger of a Traditional Religion
By a traditional religion, I mean one that is anchored in human interpretation rather than Divine utterance. In a traditional religion, the Scriptures, if they are used at all, are employed to buttress the tradition, which is perceived as the main thing. If the Scriptures appear to contradict the tradition, an effort is made to explain away the obvious meaning of them. The attempted explanation may be based on history, etymology, historic manuscripts, contextual relevance, or some other expression of human wisdom.
Because of the nature of tradition, the strongest appeal is not to spiritual understanding, but to scholarship, hermeneutics, language studies, church authority, and the likes.
This is done because of the nature of the Scriptures themselves. They are fundamentally the revelation of the mind of the Lord, with absolutely no regard for the establishment of the wisdom or positions of men. Their design is to make the man of God mature in the presence of the Lord, and equip him to do the works of God that have been ordained for him (2 Tim 3:17). Their aim is not to make the world a better place to live, or to improve the social involvements of humanity. Rather, they are written to inform man of his real condition, together with the appointed demise of this world, and the appearing of the world to come. They also provide the means of preparing for these inevitabilities, so that one may enter into the joy of the Lord.
In our text, although the apostles have expounded the Scriptures, and confirmed Jesus of Nazareth to be the One of whom they spoke, the Jewish authorities are not at all pleased – particularly since the people have given heed to them. The words delivered by the apostles have contradicted the teaching of these leaders.
THEY WERE FILLED WITH INDIGNATION
“ . . . and were filled with indignation.” Other versions read, “filled with jealousy,” NASB “were full of envy,” BBE “filled with wrath,” DARBY “were extremely jealous,” GWN “filled with zeal,” YLT “reacted with violent jealousy,” LIVING “filled with angry jealousy,” WEYMOUTH “This aroused bitter indignation,” MONTGOMERY “filled with jealousy and indignation and rage,” AMPLIFIED and “in a fury of jealousy.” PHILLIPS
Make no mistake about this, the truth has an adverse effect upon those who have not received a love for it (2 Thess 2:10). During the time of our text, when the truth of God is being powerfully proclaimed, it has been like a disrupting storm falling upon the ears of the high priest and his cohorts. It has pierced their ears and hearts causing inward pain, for there is no way it can fit together with their ideas and words.
The opponents are “filled with indignation.” That is, their response was anything but casual. Their wicked hearts would not let them be tolerant of the apostles’ contradicting words.
The word “indignation” is very strong, just as it sounds. The word speaks of a volatile emotion. Its root lexical meaning is, “excitement of mind, ardor, fervor of spirit.” As used in this text it speaks of a “an envious and contentious rivalry, and jealousy,” and carries the idea of malicious outbursts of anger. THAYER Other meanings include, “jealousy, envy,” FRIBERG and “factionalism, and party strife.” GINGRICH
The indignation of these men was aroused became of the contradicting and competing nature of the apostles’ doctrine. It contradicted what the high priest and his associates were teaching, and competed with their objectives. The world, whether religious in nature, or otherwise, can easily abide things that do not compete with its own interests or contradict its priorities. Like the Athenians, purely worldly minds often delight to hear some new thing (Acts 17:21), as long as there is no moral obligation in it. Such minds delight to be in the marketplace of thought, just as long as they are not move out of their comfort zone, or challenged to think differently.
The Truth
In every way, the truth is unique. One ought to expect this to be the case since the knowledge of the truth makes men free (John 8:32), and the love of the truth is a primary means by which we can be saved (2 Thess 2:10). The truth is a large word that speaks of a vast body of interrelated realities. Truth has a single emphasis, and a solitary direction. Among other things, it consists of affirmations – a declaration of unchangeable facts or realities. It also involves exhortations, in which the individuals hearing the facts are urged to live in comportment with them. There are also corrections which inform wayward individuals that they are on the wrong course, and calls upon them to correct it lest they be destroyed. Truth also involves instruction that clarifies how the truth is actually lived out.
There is a perfect harmony in all such things. The facts never contradict themselves. Exhortations, correction, and instruction are always in view of the facts and never in competition with them. For example, if it is true that men will all die, and the present heavens and earth will pass away, truth will never move a person to exhort others to become more attached to the world. If truth has an eternal emphasis, those who embrace it will not accent temporal things.
In Our Text
In this text, the high priest and his colleagues are moved to indignation by the teaching of the apostles because it contradicts what they have embraced and teach. If what the apostles are saying is true, then it is obvious that what they have been saying is false – accenting the wrong things and headed in the wrong direction.
On a more practical level, the religion of these opponents was a haven in which they were able to maintain a distance from God, all the while assuming the reins of religious leadership. They did not have to know God, be conversant with His purpose, or have an understanding of His ways. Their position could be maintained independently of such knowledge. They were not required to be assured of the blessing of the Lord, or be personally conscious of His approval. That was not required for the work in which they were engaged. Neither, indeed, was it essential that they heartily embrace the will of God, submitting wholly to it, and living their lives within its perimeter. The type of activities in which they were engaged did not demand such submission.
They could be religious and maintain their own agenda – the one they themselves had either developed or embraced. The sanctity of their religion was not found in Divine associations, but in the traditions and wisdom of men. Further, the Scriptures were essential only to the degree that they supported their own objectives. That is why the high priest could work side by side with the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, the existence of angels, and the reality of spirit. Although these were all gross deficiencies, the system in which these men operated allowed them to rise to places of prominence and authority. They proudly declared they were part of a system that was of Divine origin, and they were being honored by the premier people in the world. They boasted of having Abraham as their father (John 8:39), and declared themselves to be ardent disciples of Moses (John 9:28).
These men had credentials, and were not among those whom they referred to as “having never learned” (John 7:15), or being “unlearned and ignorant” (Acts 4:13). Of course, the criterion they used to determine these classifications was their own creation. They did not look at teachers from the standpoint of truth, or judge them according to their understanding of the things of God. They considered themselves authorities in matters of religion, yet their only credentials were the ones they had given themselves. For them, the touchstone of theological validity was their own positions or the traditions they had embraced.
However, now they are faced with men who have not been trained in, or authorized by, their religious system. These men – the apostles – are, by their estimation, inferior. Yet, they are speaking and working with obvious authority, and are capturing the attention of the people. The whole thing was irritating to these men, and therefore they arose and intervened in the affairs that were going on in the Temple complex. Prior to this they had been against Jesus, and now they assert themselves against His servants.
Our Times
In a way, our times are very much like those during which our text took place. There are at least four components, or factors, in this comparison: The leaders, the teaching, the people, and the environment or place.
The leaders are those exercising influence over the people in matters pertaining to God. The teaching is the message that is presented, including its content and thrust. The people are those subject to the teaching of the teachers. The environs are where the people are gathered together for religious purposes.
With these in mind, men of God were found to be in contradiction to the religious leaders of the time. Their message, the Gospel, conflicted sharply with the teaching of those leaders, which was firmly anchored in the traditions of men. The people who were of one accord in Christ are to be compared with a people whose distinction was their identity with God by antiquity, yet whose nature had not been changed. The environment was a place devoted to the worship and service of God.
Who is not able to see the parallel in our own time. Here and there men of spiritual understanding are raised up who are sent by God to the people. Yet, when they come, they are largely rejected by the Christian institutions of the times. If they do not come with official credentials, they are not considered seriously. They are not perceived as Scriptural scholars if they did not receive training in officially recognized places. If they are perceived as knowing anything at all, or speaking with any particular power, their judges marvel that they have attained such wisdom outside of the sanctioned religious institutions. Their message bears no resemblance to the religious fads of the day, and they do not appear to be in tune with the current issues. If they are found speaking in the places reserved for Christians they are viewed as peculiar, too strong, or altogether irrelevant.
This passage will confirm to us the boldness of the flesh against those who speak in the behalf of Christ. It will also substantiate the manner in which the threats of men are viewed by those who are abiding in Christ and bringing forth fruit. They will not be intimidated by those who oppose the truth of God, for they trust in God.
ARRESTED AGAIN, AND PUT IN THE COMMON PRISON
“ 18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.”
The saints of God cannot afford to be naive about life in this world. It is possible to entertain a view of Divine protection that contradicts both the record of valid experiences and the doctrine of Christ.
There are certain promises in Scripture concerning the safety of the saints. When understood properly, our text will not be perceived as contradicting them. Permit me to give you a few of these Divine commitments.
➪ “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them” (Psa 34:7).
➪ “For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone” (Psa 91:11-12).
➪ “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19).
➪ “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish” (Luke 21:17-18).
➪ “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Heb 13:6).
This is not all that the Lord has said about opposition. He also said the following to His disciples.
➪ “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city” (Matt 23:34).
➪ “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name's sake” (Matt 24:9).
➪ “But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues” (Matt 10:17).
➪ “Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute” (Luke 11:49).
➪ “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake” (Luke 21:12).
➪ “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also” (John 15:20).
➪ “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service” (John 16:2).
All of the apostles were persecuted, and all of them were martyred, with the exception of John the beloved. History attests that his persecutors did try to kill him, but could not do it. Paul provides a brief listing of his trials and persecutions, which listing itself is staggering to consider (2 Cor 6:4-10; 11:23-28).
Add to this what the apostles taught the church concerning persecution.
➪ “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together” (Rom 8:17).
➪ “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter” (Rom 8:36).
➪ “But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now” (Gal 4:29).
➪ “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto” (1 Thess 3:3).
➪ “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim 3:12).
➪ “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you” (1 Pet 4:12).
➪ “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Pet 4:16).
➪ “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1 Pet 4:19).
Let those who imagine that in Jesus we are insulated against opposition and persecution abandon their simplistic way of thinking. Persecution has been the ordinary lot of the people of God from Abel until this day. The prophets were persecuted (Matt 5:12; Acts 7:52; James 5:10). The Lord Jesus Himself was persecuted (John 5:16; 15:20). The apostles were persecuted (Acts 5:40;1 Cor 4:9). The church was persecuted (Acts 8:1; 12:1).
When, therefore, we read of the apostles being arrested, we certainly are not happy. However, we are not surprised. These are by rank “first” within the church (1 Cor 12:28), and yet they were not shielded from persecution.
It ought to be noted, however, that persecution did not terminate their work prematurely. They were kept until their work was done. When that point came, like Paul, they willingly laid down their lives, just as their Lord. Satan cannot overturn the work of the Lord!
THEY LAID THEIR HANDS ON THE APOSTLES
“And laid their hands on the apostles, . . .” Other versions read, “arrested the apostles,” NIV “took the apostles,” BBE “grabbed the apostles,” IE “had the apostles arrested,” WILLIAMS “apprehended the apostles,” MONTGOMERY and “seized and arrested the apostles (special messengers).” AMPLIFIED
Mark well that this apprehension took place while they were engaged in the work of the Lord – a work to which they had been appointed. If you think the hosts of hell tremble before the saints, think again! There is not a single account of any of Satan’s hosts trembling, falling down before, or petitioning anyone but Jesus Himself (Matt 8:29; Mk 5:6-7; Lk 8:28; Mk 5:10). Satan has neither respect nor fear for believers. If it was not for the Savior Himself and his absolute submission to Him, he would have devoured them long ago.
It breaks my heart to read of these wicked men laying their hands on the “holy apostles” (Eph 3:5; Rev 18:20). However, fellowship with Christ includes the “fellowship of His sufferings” (Phil 3:10), and a measure of them have been left behind to be “filled up” by His disciples (Col 1:24).
One of the serious weaknesses of the average American Christian is the inability to endure suffering. When it comes to personal sufferings like illness and severe disadvantages, there are some who actually become angry with God, as though suffering was, in fact, a “strange thing” (1 Pet 4:12). Others compromise their faith and adopt the manners of the world in order to avoid opposition, bartering their souls for temporary relief. I have long been chagrined at many reports of persecution which are often viewed as a violation of civil rights. It is not unusual for some to make appeals to the government to protect Christians in the name of civil liberty. It is not that such appeals are of themselves wrong. However, it seems to me that men ought to seek help from their God.
Paul asked the church to pray that he and those with him would be “delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” (2 Thess 3:2). He was not praying for personal comfort, but for the dissemination of the “word of the Lord,” that is might “have free course, and be glorified” (2 Thess 3:2).
Thus the apostles, while engaged in the work of the Lord, fulfilled the word of Isaiah: “Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment” (Isa 59:15). If they had not stayed in Jerusalem, perhaps this would not have happened. But the Lord had commanded them to “preach in His name . . . beginning at Jerusalem” (Lk 24:47). They are obeying His word regardless of the consequences.
THEY PUT THEM IN THE COMMON PRISON
“ . . . and put them in the common prison.” Other versions read, “public jail,” NASB “public prison,” NRSV “public ward,” ASV “the city jail,” CSB and “public custody.” ALT
The apostles were dignitaries in the Kingdom of God – princes among men. Yet, they were not afforded any dignity by this motley group of Jewish leaders. The “common prison” was a public one, so that the prisoners were “in full view of all,” THAYER “publicly, openly before the people.” FRIBERG This would be a source of great shame to the timorous, and would serve as a solemn warning to the people not to follow these apostles – at least that is what the high priest and his conspiratorial Sanhedrin thought. This is now the second time this group of wicked men has incarcerated Christ’s apostles. The first time, it was Peter and John (4:3). They were not able to remove them from preaching at that time, and they will not be able to do so now.
HEAVEN RESPONDS TO THE CIRCUMSTANCE
“ 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. 21a And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught.”
So far as we know, all of heaven is involved in the salvation of God.
➪ THE FATHER. The purpose that is being fulfilled in salvation is that of the Father Himself. It is He that sent the Son (1 John 4:14), delivered Him up (Rom 8:32), raised Him from the dead (Acts 4:10), and exalted Him to his own right hand (Eph 1:20-21). He is still imminent in every facet of salvation.
➪ THE SON. The Son came to the earth to do the will of the Father. He put away sin (Heb 9:26), reconciled the world to God (Col 1:21-22), brought an end to the Law as a means to righteousness (Rom 10:4), destroyed the devil (Heb 2:14), and spoiled adversarial principalities and power (Col 2:15). He is bringing us to God (1 Pet 3:18, and intercedes for the saved (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25).
➪ THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Holy Spirit convinces the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8-11). He is the one who sets the people apart to God (2 Thess 2:13), facilitates the new birth (John 3:8), intercedes for the saints from within (Rom 8:26-27, and leads the saints in the mortification of the deeds of the body (Rom 8:13-14).
➪ THE HOLY ANGELS. The angels are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Heb 1:13-14). They desire to look into the things contained in the Gospel (1 Pet 1:12), are fellow servants with the saints (Rev 19:10; 22:9), and are among those to whom believers “are come” (Heb 12:22).
The word of God makes clear that those in Christ come into fellowship with the Father (the Judge of all–Heb 12:23), the Son (Jesus the Mediator – Heb 12:24), the Holy Spirit (Phil 2;1), and the holy angels (an innumerable company of them – Heb 12:11).
It should not surprise us, therefore, that an angel becomes involved in the affairs of our text. Through holy commissioned involvements, they are integral to the experiences related to this salvation.
In view of heaven’s commitment to the salvation of the elect, you can see how utterly absurd it is for men to have no interest in it. When those who profess to be in Christ are slothful in things pertaining to God, attempting to coast through life with the imagination that God has received them, they are at variance with heaven, not in harmony with it. Such people are tottering on the brink of eternal ruin, and do not know it.
BUT THE ANGEL OF THE LORD
“But the angel of the Lord . . .” Other versions read, “messenger of the Lord.” YLT
The expression “the angel of the Lord” is mentioned fifty-eight times in Scripture: fifty times from Genesis through Malachi, and nine times in Matthew through revelation. Aside from the angels Michael and Gabriel, these servants remain anonymous, even though they are of a high order, possessing greater wisdom (2 Sam 14:20), and are “greater in power and might” 2 Pet 2:11) than men. Unlike Jesus, they are not noted for who they are, but for what they do. Jesus holds the distinction of being noted for both who He is and what He has done, is doing, and will do. Angels are noted for their instant obedience, quickly doing the will of God and returning to the One who commissions them (Psa 103:20).
Now, in fulfillment of their mission as ministers to the heirs of salvation, one of their number is dispatched to bring help to the imprisoned apostles.
BY NIGHT OPENED THE PRISON DOORS
“ . . . by night opened the prison doors . . .” Other versions read, “at night opened the prison doors,” NKJV “during the night opened the gates of the prison,” NASB “during the night opened the doors of the jail,” NIV “opening the doors of the prison,” BBE “Opened the gates of the jail,” LIVING “threw open the jail doors,” WILLIAMS and “opened the doors to their cell.” GW
Your perusal of Scripture should confirm that angels never have any difficulty with earthly circumstances – no matter what they are. Earth and its inhabitants in no way challenge holy angels. People to whom angels have appeared include the following.
➪ Abraham (Gen 22:11).
➪ Hagar (Gen 16:7).
➪ Lot (Gen 19:1).
➪ Jacob (Gen 28:12; 31:11).
➪ Moses (Ex 3:2).
➪ The Israelites (Ex 14:19).
➪ Balaam (Num 22:31).
➪ Joshua (Josh 5:15).
➪ Gideon (Judges 6:11).
➪ Moanoah (Judges 13:6,15).
➪ David (1 Chron 21:15-16).
➪ Elijah (1 Kgs 19:5).
➪ Elisha (2 Kgs 6:17).
➪ Daniel (Dan 6:22).
➪ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Dan 3:25).
➪ Zechariah (Zech 2:3).
➪ Joseph (Matt 1:20).
➪ Mary (Lk 1:26).
➪ Zecharias (Lk 1:11).
➪ The shepherds (Lk 2:9).
➪ Jesus (Lk 4:11; Lk 22:43).
➪ The women at the tomb of Jesus (Matt 28:2-6).
➪ The disciples when Jesus ascended (Acts 1:10-11).
➪ The apostles (Acts 5:19).
➪ Philip (Acts 8:26).
➪ Cornelius (Acts 10:3).
➪ Peter in prison (Acts 12:7).
➪ Paul (Acts 27:23).
➪ John (Rev 1:1).
Ponder some of the remarkable things angels have done on earth without any extended effort or apparent difficulty.
➪ Guard the way to the tree of life so no one can approach it (Gen 3:24).
➪ Smote the men of Sodom with blindness (Gen 19:11).
➪ Destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:1,13-14).
➪ Stood between Israel and the Egyptian army, so that they could not approach Israel (Ex 14:19).
➪ Saved Israel from destruction (Isa 63:9).
➪ Destroyed the entire army of Sennacherib in a single night – an army numbering 185,000 (2 Kgs 19:35).
➪ Struck 70,000 Israelites dead with a pestilence, and would have destroyed Jerusalem if God had not stayed his hand (2 Sam 24:15-17).
➪ Struck king Herod dead (Acts 12:11).
➪ They are depicted as causing destructive judgments and plagues upon the earth with which men could not contend (Rev 8:5-21).
➪ An angel will “gather the vine of the earth” and hurl it into the winepress of the wrath of God (Rev 14:19).
➪ Angels will gather out of God’s kingdom everything that offends and all them that do iniquity (Matt 13:41).
➪ Angels will gather together the elect from the uttermost part of earth to the uttermost part of heaven (Mk 13:27).
Angels have been known to fight in the heavenly realms. One angel fought against “the prince of Persia” for twenty-one days, even requiring the assistance of the mighty angel Michael (Dan 10:13). Michael and his angels fought against the devil and his angels soundly defeating them, and thrusting them out of the heavenly domain (Rev 12:7-9). However, no angel or group of angels ever fought a war among men, or in this world. This domain is vastly inferior to them, and instantly yields to their authority.
In Consideration of Jesus’ Return
This is something that has not been duly considered by those who believe Jesus is going to come to earth and fight against the wicked. He Himself declared that when He returns, he will be accompanied by “all the holy angels” – not a representative number of them, but all of them (Matt 25:31). The idea that any form of resistance against them will be realized is an utter absurdity – and angels do not have the authority that Jesus has. They are rather His servants, and worship Him. One of their number has the power to bind Satan and throw him in a bottomless pit – and there is not a thing that Satan can do about it (Rev 20:1-3). Is there any person of sound mind who thinks the kings of the earth, to say nothing of those who are under them, could present the slightest challenge to these exalted creatures? And what of the One they obey – the Lord Jesus Christ, who is “Lord of all?”
The notion of a bloody battle with men, led by the Lord Jesus Christ who is accompanied by every single holy angel in existence is demeaning of Christ. It betrays an abysmal understanding of God and Christ, and it ranks high in the echelon of stupidity. Those who teach such things are in the class of people described by Paul, “understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm” (1 Tim 1:7).
This Has to Do With the Text?
The relevance of these cursory observations is seen in our text. An angel comes down from heaven to do something among men. When he arrives there is no resistence of any kind – not so much as a single syllable of speech, to say nothing of any hostility or aggression. He came “by night,” when the “rulers of the darkness of this world” (Eph 6:12) are especially active. He approaches a prison that had been secured, so that no man could escape from its confines. Without any apparent effort, and in an instant without having to work at it, he simply opens the doors of confinement. The opening of the doors was not an exhibit of raw strength, but of heavenly authority – and earth always yields to the imposition of heavenly authority. This is true because “the heavens do rule” (Dan 4:26).
It is especially comforting to consider that the holy angels are our ministers (Heb 1:14). They can deliver us with very little effort – just by camping around us as they did around Israel (Psa 34:7). Jesus warned men not to harm one of His little ones, for “their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is ion heaven” (Matt18:10). Promoting great sobriety among those who fear God, Solomon once wrote, “Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?” (Eccl 5:6).
It also seems fitting that an angel should be dispatched to deliver those who had been incarcerated by the Sadducees, who officially professed that there was no such thing as an angel (Acts 23:8).
AND BROUGHT THEM FORTH
“ . . . and brought them forth . . .” Other versions read, “and brought them out,” NKJV “and taking them out,” NASB “and leading them out,” DARBY “and led them out,” GWN “let them out,” MRD “he led them out,” NJB “the angel led the apostles outside,” IE and “and having brought them out.” ALT
There you have it – one moment the apostles were in prison, and the next moment they were out. They themselves had to do nothing but walk through the open doors. The judgment of the council had been reversed by Divine edict, and there was absolutely nothing that could be done to resist that determination. Here we have lived out what Jesus declared to the church in Philadelphia: “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it” (Rev 3:8).
I know of no word in Scripture that declares there is a time when angels will no longer minister in this way. I say this in full recognition of the fact that they did not always work in this manner. Here were times when the prison doors were not opened. Joseph was is prison for as long as thirteen years (Gen 37:2; 41:46). John the Baptist was left in prison, and finally beheaded there (Matt 14:3,10). On one occasion, Paul was in jail for two whole years (Acts 19:10; 28:30).
In our preaching and teaching, we must not leave people with the idea that they have been locked into a state of oppression and confinement. The door of hope must be left ajar by reporting the wonderful works of God. The record of them is not mere history, but is designed to acquaint us with the ways of the Lord. We must come to see that should our deliverance be conducive to the glory of God, and if it is suitable to the work that we have been assigned, that deliverance can be wrought very easily. A word from the Lord can cause it to happen, or an angel sent from God (Acts 12:11), or the changing of the king’s heart (Prov 21:1), or the death of our enemies (Matt 2:20). We have every reason not to despair when things are not going well for us!
AND SAID. . .
“ . . . and said . . .” Other versions read, “and said to them,” MRD “Then he told them,” NLT “The angel said,” CEV and “saying.” PHILLIPS
The Tongues of Angels
On one occasion, Paul referred to “the tongues . . . of angels” (1 Cor 13:1). Although certain men have made much of this solitary reference, and even structured doctrines around it, this is all that is said of it in Scripture.
Perhaps this is the kind of speaking Paul heard when he was caught up into paradise. He said he heard words “which it is not lawful for a man to utter,” or “which a man is not permitted to speak,” NASB (2 Cor 12:4). The word “utter” comes from the Greek word lalh/sai (lal-es-ai), which lexically means, “to utter a sound . . . to utter or form words with the mouth,” THAYER “to give forth sounds, sound out,” FRIBERG and “to give forth sounds or tones.” GINGRICH
The reference is not speaking of a message being uttered, or a report being given, but of a sound being uttered with the human voice. Paul was saying that there was no human capacity for repeating what he heard. The human mouth and voice are not adapted to do so. The supposition, therefore, that men can say something with their voice that is in an angelic tongue cannot be supported by any Scriptural example.
In the text in the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians, I do not know that it can be established that all of the things Paul mentioned were actually taking place among the Corinthians. He mentions several things (verses 1-3).
➪ Speaking with the tongues of men.
➪ Speaking with the tongues of angels.
➪ Having the gift of prophesy, understand ALL mysteries, and ALL knowledge.
➪ Have ALL faith, so that I could remove mountains.
➪ Bestow all my goods to feed the poor.
➪ Give my body to be burned.
Paul is teaching the necessity of charity, not the extent of abilities given to the saints. While some might make a case for being able to speak with the tongues of men, or giving all of one’s goods to the poor, or even giving one’s body to be burned, what of the other things. Where is the person who can boast of understanding ALL mysteries? Or possessing ALL understanding? Or removing (not moving) mountains? Let no man attempt to push into this text something that the Holy Spirit did not put there!
What We Do Know
We do know that there are several instances in Scripture when angels were heard speaking directly to men, or within the range of their hearing. Here are a few of them.
➪ An angel spoke to Hagar, and she understood what he said (Gen 16:7-13).
➪ An angel called to Abraham, and he understood what was said (Gen 22:11-12, 15-18).
➪ An angel spoke to Moses out of a burning bush, and Moses understood what he said (Ex 3:2-4:17; Acts 7:30-35).
➪ An angel spoke with Balaam, and he knew what was said (Num 22:22).
➪ The angel of the Lord spoke to all of Israel, and they understood him (Judges 2:1-4).
➪ Gabriel, a significant angel, talked with Daniel, and he understood what was said (Dan 9:22-27).
➪ A holy angel delivered a lengthy discourse to Daniel, who understood what he said (Dan 10:13-21).
➪ The angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias, and when the angel spoke, he understood (Lk 1:11-20).
➪ The angel Gabriel was sent to the virgin Mary to announce the birth of Christ, and she understood all that he said (Lk 1:28-38).
➪ An angel appeared to some shepherds, announcing the birth of Christ. A heavenly host broke out in praise at that time. The shepherds understood what was said (Lk 2:10-14).
➪ An angel appeared to Cornelius, giving him instructions, and Cornelius understood him (Acts 10:22; 11:13).
➪ The voice of many angels was heard AND understood by John (Rev 5:11-12).
➪ John heard AND understood what one angel said to four other angels (Rev 7:2-4).
➪ John heard AND understood an angel pronouncing a woe to the inhabiters of the earth (Rev 8:13).
➪ John heard AND understood what one angel said to seven other angels (Rev 16:1).
This will suffice to make the point, although many other examples could be provided. We have no example – not so much as a single one – where an angel said something to men in words that could not be understood. Further, we have no example of any man speaking with an angel, employing “the tongues of angels.” Those are the facts in the case.
It should not surprise us, therefore, if this angel speaks to the apostles in words they can understand, and in words that they did, in fact, understand. Among other things, this confirms that angels minister to the heirs of salvation in ways that can, to some measurable degree, be understood. In other words, ministry is in the context of discernment, not mystery! To my knowledge, there is no example of a man beholding angels doing something that was not perceived, or saying something in words that could not be understood.
Those who tell us that they themselves, or someone they know, has delivered a word in an angelic tongue must provide more proof than their own testimony. If angels themselves do not speak to men in such a tongue, what kind of reasoning supports that God would move men to do so? For that matter, precisely what is the purpose of any word being delivered to men that cannot be understood? The fact that such a communication is useless is confirmed by the requirement that men must be brought to understand what was said, even if it was uttered in a tongue they did not understand (1 Cor 14:13-14). Whether we are speaking of angels or men, words that cannot be comprehended cannot deliver edification, rebuke, correction, exhortation, or instruction in righteousness. If angels adhere to this principle, what must be said of mere mortals who do not?
ALL THE WORDS OF THIS LIFE
“ 20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” Other versions read, “Go your way, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life,” NASB “"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life,” NIV “Go, take your place in the Temple and give the people all the teaching about this Life,” BBE “Go and stand in the temple complex, and tell the people all about this life,” CSB “Stand in the temple courtyard, and tell the people everything about life in Christ,” GWN “Go on, and standing, speak in the temple to the people all the sayings of this life,” YLT “Go over to the Temple and preach about this Life,” LIVING “Go and stand in the Temple, and go on proclaiming to the people all this Message of Life,” WEYMOUTH “Go and take your stand in the temple square and continue to tell the people the message of this new life,” WILLIAMS and “Go, take your stand in the temple courts and declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning this Life (the eternal life which Christ revealed).” AMPLIFIED
The apostles had just been arrested in the Temple, and now the angel sends them back! They had not yet finished their testimony concerning the life that is in Christ Jesus. The angel has not the slightest sense of danger in this matter. He has just reversed the judgment of the high priest and his court, and he knows there is nothing to fear from them.
Speak In the Temple
The angel does not tell the apostles to stand in the street, but “in the Temple.” He does not send them to a synagogue, but to “the temple.” They are not to return to the house where they once prayed for power, but to “the Temple.” He does not tell them to break up into groups and go into the homes, but “in the Temple.” There is where the covenanted people will be gathered, and the words of this life was promised to them. The Gospel is God’s power unto salvation “to the Jew first” (Rom 1:16), and the Temple was well suited for preaching that Gospel.
I do not know how those who are opposed to believers meeting in larger structures would have handled the word of the angel. It seems to me they ought to have the honesty to come to grips with it. However, the apostles had no difficulty with it at all, even though they had twice been arrested in that area. The flesh would reason that it was not wise to return to the Temple and resume preaching, particularly after they had already been arrested twice for doing that very thing. However, when the flesh is crucified, as it ought to be, such difficulties do not arise.
Speak All the Words of This Life
It is important to see what the apostles are told to speak: “all the words of this life.” He does not mean life in this world, but the life that is in Christ Jesus. Th