First ReadingActs 5:17-26
From the Acts of the Apostles
17But the high priest rose up,and all thosewho were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees),and they were filled with jealousy18and laid hands on the apostles,then put them in public custody.19But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night,and brought them out and said,20“Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”
21When they heard this,they entered into the temple about daybreak and taught.But the high priest and those who were with him cameand called the council together,with all the senate of the children of Israel,and sent to the prison to have them brought.22But the officers who came didn’t find them in the prison.They returned and reported,23“We found the prison shut and locked,and the guards standing before the doors,but when we opened them,we found no one inside!”
24Now when the high priest,the captain of the temple,and the chief priests heard these words,they were very perplexed about themand what might become of this.25One came and told them,“Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple,standing and teaching the people.”26Then the captain went with the officers,and brought them without violence,for they were afraid that the people might stone them.