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. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.

25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. Acts 5:22-26

After the religious leaders arrived at the jail, they realized they had some problems on their hands.

First, the guards standing in front of the jail were guarding an empty cell. Shouldn’t the guards be reprimanded (or worse) for letting them get out?

Next, Peter and John were now doing what they were first caught doing. That had to puzzle the leaders. The two Disciples had their freedom but they chose to use that time preaching and teaching in the temple courts. It’s obvious that they were laser focused on getting the Gospel message out. They were passionate and obedient but they had to know they would be confronted again.

I am thankful for those passionate and faithful people who have carried the Gospel message throughout the centuries. Many lived in obscurity and poverty while feeding the hungry, translating the scriptures, caring for orphans, and just living a godly life in Christ. Praise God for faithful men and women.

I don’t do this often in this space, but I need prayer for a family situation. My brother, Grady, who is 55 was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung and Brain Cancer this week. I spoke with him today and he said if he did nothing (no treatment) the doctors gave him 6 weeks to live.

He’s scared.

His girlfriend of 37 years is also scared.

He has two younger teens living at home, plus a 26-year old son. I will be going there to North Carolina in the next few weeks just to be with them. As his girlfriend said on Facebook, “our world just got turned upside down this week…”

I’m not even sure what to pray for at this point. Peace, wisdom, healing, salvation, strength, whatever you feel led to pray.

Thank you.