Although the jealous High Priests had imprisoned the apostles overnight, God sent an angel to open the jail doors and let them out in the middle of the night (Acts 5:17-19).  But instead of hiding away for their own safety, the next morning they were back in the temple, teaching about Jesus (Acts 5:20-21).  Their joyful liberty mocked their forcible arrest the previous evening and, when this was reported to the court, temple guards did not want to be stoned by the admiring crowds around the apostles ... so politely asked them to walk to the court.

The opening statement by the chief priest revealed the insecurity of the religious leaders.  They were angry and embarrassed that the apostles had flouted the court's order not to speak about Jesus (Acts 4:18).  They were also frightened that the crowd would accuse them of killing Jesus (Acts 2:23).  They knew they were guilty but did not want to look guilty.

Peter, John and the other apostles had no interest in accusing the religious court of injustice, because it was through their injustice that God planned that Christ should die as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.  No, all the apostles wanted to do was to preach Jesus and the salvation which comes through Him (Romans 1:16).  So why did the court feel guilty?  The Holy Spirit was at work in them, using the apostles' witness to bring conviction of sin (John 16:7-11).

When we are persecuted for honouring Jesus, think what God is doing.  It will not be pleasant for us, but the way we respond will be a witness that your accusers cannot deny.  They will see that we have been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).  Also, the Holy Spirit will be at work to convict sinful hearts.  So, even through our discomfort, God will be working in the hearts of the people who are making our lives a misery.  He loves them as much as He loves us, and wants to use our witness so that they may be convicted of their sin and repent also.  Let us be glad that our presence at work or in the community will be an important reminder that Jesus is Lord.  Although some will resist that truth, others will be convicted and saved.