Acts 5 reveals that the Jewish religious leaders had the apostles arrested and sent them to jail again (Acts 5:18). Their hope was that the message about Jesus, including teaching in his name, would cease. Instead, an angel set the arrested believers free from the jail and they went back to the temple and began to “teach the people” at daybreak (Acts 5:19-21). The temple guards were shocked to find empty jail cells, but they were able to find the apostles since the men were not trying to hide. The guards then escorted them to the Jewish supreme court, known as “the Sanhedrin”, to be quested by the high priest (Acts 5:26-27). He accused them by saying, “you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching” (Acts 5:28 NIV). Although the apostles had been previously warned by the religious leaders in Jerusalem not to teach or proclaim the truth about Jesus, they responded with strong faith and “great boldness” in speaking the truth as the Lord gave them opportunities (Acts 4:29). Instead of acting fearful as they stood before the Sanhedrin and were questioned, Peter and the apostles said, “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29 NRSV).

 

For the apostles, although they were Jewish men living under the rule of the Roman government, their allegiance was first and foremost to Jesus the Christ. What about you? If you had to rank your allegiances, what would you rank as first? Why?

 

How does the hierarchy of your allegiances impact your decisions and life?

 

For a full version of this Your Faith Journey devotional download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website: www.AvonUMC.com

 

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

 

Sunday (7/26)

Today I’m going to offering God _____________________________________________________.

 

During the worship service God revealed _____________________________________________________.

 

Monday (7/27)

Read Proverbs 3:5-6 and pray in response to the verses.

 

Tuesday (7/28)

Read Mark 10:17-27 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Wednesday (7/29)

Read Ephesians 2:8-10 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Thursday (7/30)

Read Mark 10:28-31 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Friday (7/31)

Read Luke 13:22-30 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Saturday (8/1)

Reflect upon the past week, and re-read verses or phrases that stood out to you. The following questions may be helpful as you reflect:

How did you see, hear, or encounter God during this past week?

 

Who needs to hear about your experience sometime in the coming days?

 

*To download the entire Worship Guide, which includes the extended version of the Your Faith Journey Guide, go to www.AvonUMC.com.