The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 86

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80 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES opened tlie prison doors, and said to tlie disciples, ''Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." This command was directly contrary to the order given by the Jewish rnlers; bnt did the apostles say, We cannot do this until we have consulted the magistrates, and received permission from them? No; God had said, "Go," and they obeyed. "They entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught." When Peter and John appeared among the believers, and recounted how the angel had led them directly through the band of soldiers guarding the prison, bidding them resume the work that had been interrupted, the brethren were tilled with amazement and joy. In the meantime the high priest and those with him had "called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel." The priests and rulers had decided to fix upon the disciples the charge of insurrection, to accuse them of murdering Ananias and Sapphira, and of conspiring to deprive the priests of their authority. They hoped so to excite the mob that it would take the matter in hand, and deal with the disciples as it had dealt with Jesus. They were aware that many who did not accept the teachings of Christ were weary of the arbitrary rule of the Jewish authorities, and anxious for some change. The priests feared that if these dissatisfied ones were to accept the truths proclaimed by the apostles, and were to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, the anger of the entire people would be raised against the religious leaders, who would then be made to answer for the murder of