5:17
Previously the Sanhedrin had sought to stop the apostles with mere warnings, even though Peter had told them that they would have to go on preaching. This clearly wasn’t working, so firmer action had to be taken. Luke makes it clear that it was the Sadducees who were the main movers behind this. They wanted to preserve their cushy number and so were primarily concerned about not upsetting the Roman authorities. They were also filled with jealousy. The people were genuinely amazed at what the apostles were doing, and paying at least some attention to what they were saying. This is much the same situation as pertained with Jesus.
5:18
So the apostles were arrested and put in the public prison, this would be no salubrious place. We see here an attempt by the powers-that-be in society to silence the preaching of the gospel. Society after society has sought to shut up the gospel, and in various ways. Sometimes the state seeks to take over religion and there can be an unholy alliance between church and state. At other times violent persecution is used, or attempts are made to control the church. None of these have worked, and the true church must preach the true gospel. In the West hate speech and other such things are used to try and shut up the church. The worst thing is that some in the church are quite happy for the word of God not to be preached. We must faithfully teach, preach and live the gospel, in all its aspects.
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