Acts 5:20

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

Acts 5:20 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of the account in the book of Acts where the apostles were arrested for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The religious authorities put them in prison, but during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and commanded them to go and preach in the temple. Acts 5:19 describes this event, and Acts 5:20 continues with the angel’s instructions to the apostles.

The angel instructs the apostles to “go”, emphasizing the call to action and the urgency of their mission. They were not to stay idle or confined to their circumstances, but to actively engage in spreading the message of Jesus Christ.

The word “stand” implies taking a firm and bold stance. The apostles were to stand with confidence and conviction, firmly grounded in the truth of the Gospel.

The angel directs the apostles to “speak”, emphasizing the power and importance of verbal communication. They were to proclaim the message of salvation, boldly sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

Meaning

The temple was a central place of worship and gathering for the Jewish people. By instructing the apostles to speak “in the temple”, the angel indicated that the message of Jesus was to be proclaimed openly and publicly, reaching a wide audience. The apostles were to address “the people”, speaking directly to the individuals who would hear their message. This highlights the personal and relational aspect of sharing the Gospel, as they were to engage with people on a personal level.

The phrase “all the words of this life” encapsulates the content of their message. The apostles were to proclaim the words of life, referring to the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ, which brings salvation, eternal life, and a restored relationship with God. The word “all” underscores the completeness of the message: they were not to hold back any part of the truth, but to declare the whole counsel of God. This life is found in Christ alone, and the apostles were its witnesses.

Biblical connections

The phrase “this life” connects to the broader biblical theme that God’s words bring life, as expressed in Proverbs 4:22. The temple setting also highlights the contrast between the old covenant worship and the new covenant reality of life in Christ, which the apostles were now proclaiming.

Application

Acts 5:20 serves as a reminder to Christians today of the importance of sharing the Gospel boldly, openly, and with conviction. It encourages believers to take an active role in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to those around them, both inside and outside the confines of religious institutions. The apostles’ immediate obedience, as recorded in the following verses, sets an example for all who follow Christ: the message of life must be spoken, regardless of circumstances.

Reflection

This verse challenges believers to prioritize the proclamation of the Gospel, to be courageous in public witness, and to trust that God’s word is indeed life-giving. Just as the apostles were commanded to speak all the words of this life, believers today are called to faithfully witness to the life found in Jesus Christ, without fear and without omission.