Acts 5:18
they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Acts 5:18
they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The authorities didn't just arrest the apostles; they threw them into a "public ward," a place for common criminals. This wasn't merely detention, but a deliberate act to shame them and associate them with the lowest sorts of offenders, highlighting the council's growing hostility.
After witnessing numerous signs and wonders performed by the apostles, the Jewish authorities, particularly the Sadducees, grew envious and angry. They arrested the apostles and threw them into the public prison, likely intending to deal with them more severely the following day. This arrest follows directly from their bold preaching in Solomon's Porch and the miraculous healing of a man born lame, actions the religious leaders could no longer ignore.
The apostles were boldly proclaiming Jesus, and the religious authorities couldn't stand it. Their response? A swift arrest.
Luke, the author of Acts, highlights the incredible impact of the apostles' ministry. 'Many signs and wonders' were happening among the people through their hands, drawing crowds and attention.
This wasn't just a quiet little gathering; it was a public display of God's power working through Jesus' followers. The authorities, particularly the Sadducees who didn't believe in the resurrection, saw this as a direct threat to their power and the established order. Their immediate reaction was to arrest them, showing just how disruptive the gospel message could be.
They weren't just locked away; they were put in a specific kind of place. What does 'common prison' really mean for them?
The phrase 'common prison' or 'public ward' here isn't just about being locked up. It signifies being treated as public offenders, not just held temporarily.
This suggests a greater severity than a simple holding cell. They were placed where they would be seen as criminals, potentially alongside other 'common and notorious offenders.' This was meant to shame them and deter others. It was a precautionary measure, likely until the Sanhedrin could formally convene, but it carried the weight of public disgrace.
Understand the original words
apostolos · Greek Noun
The chosen representatives and witnesses of Jesus Christ, commissioned and empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel and establish the foundation of the early Church.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus' public ministry, his crucifixion, and resurrection mark the foundational events of the early Christian movement.
c. AD 33
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles at Pentecost, empowering them to preach the Gospel boldly.
c. AD 33
Apostles Heal and Teach
The apostles, filled with the Spirit, perform many signs and wonders, drawing large crowds who gather in Solomon's Porch.
c. AD 33
Apostles Arrested and Freed
The apostles Peter and John are arrested for preaching and healing, but are miraculously released from prison by an angel.
c. AD 33— this verse
Second Arrest of Apostles
The apostles are arrested again, this time for continuing to teach and heal, and are imprisoned in the public ward.
This verse immediately precedes the account of the apostles' arrest, showing the escalating opposition they faced even before this public jailing, highlighting a pattern of persecution for their bold witness.
Matthew 10:17-18Jesus directly warned his disciples that they would be arrested and brought before rulers, foreshadowing the very experiences of the apostles in Acts and showing this hardship as part of God's plan.
2 Corinthians 11:23-24Paul recounts his own severe imprisonments and beatings for the sake of the gospel, demonstrating that suffering and confinement were common realities for early Christian leaders, not exceptions.
Acts 16:25-26Later in Acts, Paul and Silas are also thrown into prison, but a miraculous earthquake leads to their release and the conversion of the jailer, showing God's power to deliver even in the darkest circumstances.
jfbActs 5:12-26: "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch."
Ac 5:12-26. The Progress of the New Cause Leads to the Arrest of the Apostles—They Are Miraculously Delivered from Prison, Resume Their Teaching, but Allow Themselves to Be Conducted before the Samhedrim.12. Solomon's Porch—(See on [1952]Joh 10:23).
pooleActs 5:18: "And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison."
See Acts 4:3 .
The authorities didn't just arrest the apostles; they threw them into a "public ward," a place for common criminals. This wasn't merely detention, but a deliberate act to shame them and associate them with the lowest sorts of offenders, highlighting the council's growing hostility.
After witnessing numerous signs and wonders performed by the apostles, the Jewish authorities, particularly the Sadducees, grew envious and angry. They arrested the apostles and threw them into the public prison, likely intending to deal with them more severely the following day. This arrest follows directly from their bold preaching in Solomon's Porch and the miraculous healing of a man born lame, actions the religious leaders could no longer ignore.
After witnessing numerous signs and wonders performed by the apostles, the Jewish authorities, particularly the Sadducees, grew envious and angry. They arrested the apostles and threw them into the public prison, likely intending to deal with them more severely the following day. This arrest follows directly from their bold preaching in Solomon's Porch and the miraculous healing of a man born lame, actions the religious leaders could no longer ignore.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Acts 5:18 is available in the Sola app.
c. AD 33
Miraculous Release and Trial
An angel opens the prison doors, and the apostles are freed to resume teaching, leading to a second arrest and a confrontation before the Sanhedrin.
c. AD 33
Gamaliel's Counsel
The wise Pharisee Gamaliel advises the council to leave the apostles alone, warning that their movement may be from God.
"they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison." — The authorities didn't just arrest the apostles; they threw them into a "public ward," a place for common criminals. This wasn't merely detention, but a deliberate act to shame them and associate the…