The men whom you put in prison.

Acts 5:24-26, Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

The gospel spread like wildfire as the sick of Jerusalem were healed, some even by being touched by his shadow. And people streamed in from the outlying areas to bring those who were sick to be healed, with multitudes being added to the Lord! Yet the officials had a deep blindness to what God was doing and put them in jail again only to see them supernaturally released. Even the pressure from the people and the many miracles could not open their eyes to what God was doing! We who are able to see can only give humble thanks and continue to pray for those who have not yet seen that their eyes may be opened!

We give you thanks that our eyes have been opened; we pray for your great mercy to open the eyes of others who do not recognize you!

ESV Lectionary