Definition: But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 5:19: “But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said.” Here's a simple explanation: This is a really important passage in the early chapters of the New Testament. It tells us about a dramatic event that happened when an apostle was being held captive. Let’s unpack it: “The angel of the Lord…” – This refers to God himself, or perhaps a powerful spiritual figure representing God's presence and power. It's not just any angel; it's specifically the divine messenger sent by God. “…by night…” - This is crucial. It means this event happened while the sun was set – in the darkness of night. This is a significant detail because it suggests the act wasn’t happening during daylight hours, which might have been a time when the apostle was vulnerable. “…opened the prison doors…” - The "prison" refers to a place of confinement, likely a jail or a small, restricted space where the apostle was held captive. The word “door” suggests a physical barrier being broken down. “and brought them forth…” – This means the angel gently and deliberately freed the apostle and his companions. “…and said.” - The angel then spoke to them, likely offering encouragement or guidance. It’s a very direct and personal interaction. What does this verse tell us about the situation? This is a classic example of God's power working through His messengers in the Bible. It shows that: God is active even when we are in trouble. He doesn't just sit back; he intervenes to help those who are in need. God’s presence is powerful and can overcome obstacles. The angel’s action demonstrates God's ability to break down barriers and bring people out of captivity. In essence, this verse paints a picture of God actively intervening to free someone from oppression and offering them hope. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in the context of the story of Peter and John?