1. We must obey God rather than men (17-29)

When the numbers of believers increased, the high priests became jealous and had the apostles arrested. That night, God sent his angel to open the prison doors. He did not tell them to hide in a safe place--he sent them back to the front line (20). So the apostles went back to the temple and taught the Bible. When they were discovered, they were arrested again. The high priest said, 'We told you not to preach about Jesus. You are making us guilty of his blood!'

2. Rejoicing in suffering (30-42)

They answered, 'We must obey God... God raised Jesus...whom you had killed... He exalted him as Prince and Savior to give repentance and forgiveness to Israel. We are witnesses...' The Sanhedrin wanted to kill the apostles. But Gamaliel's advice silenced their fury, so they flogged the apostles and let them go. The apostles rejoiced that they could suffer for Jesus' sake, and continued teaching the Bible and proclaiming that Jesus is Christ. They had overcome fear.

Application: Lord, help me to overcome fear with faith, and rejoice in suffering.
One Word: We must obey God rather than men