The Apostles Freed by Heaven
So many miracles, especially of healing the sick, continued to be performed by the Apostles that “multitudes” were turned to the new Faith, not only in Jerusalem but in all the surrounding country. Crowds followed after Peter as once they had followed after Jesus. The sick were laid in the pathway of the new teacher in confidence that even his passing shadow would make them whole.
The chief priests, astonished and afraid because even their express command had not checked the preaching of the Apostles, now seized upon the entire twelve and cast them into prison. Another miracle followed; for the twelve were that same night liberated by an angel. When in the morning the jailers came to drag them before the council of the priests, their cells were empty; and the twelve were found in the Temple, once more preaching to the people.
At the command of the soldiers, the Apostles went readily before the council. But when they were again and with threatenings forbidden to say aught of Jesus, they refused, declaring that they must “obey God rather than men.”
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