The glad shout of the healed man attracted a crowd around him, “greatly wondering.”  The Apostles declared that the miracle was by no power of their own, but by that of Jesus who had been killed, but had risen from the dead.  For this they were arrested and put in prison—­strange place for such men and for such a reason.  On the next day they were brought before the rulers who demanded by what power they had done this thing.  Again the disciples declared it was in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom the Jews crucified, but whom God had raised from the dead.  The rulers were amazed when “they saw the boldness of Peter and John.”  They had known the power of Jesus’ words:  they saw a like power in the words of the Apostles, whom they were assured had been with Him and been aided by Him.  But this did not check their rage, which was increased as they saw how many believed the Apostles.  The three thousand converts on the day of Pentecost were increased to five thousand.

[Illustration:  EPHESUS From Photograph Page 232]

As leaders of the Christian company Peter and John were again put into prison—­into the public jail for malefactors.  But the divine power which had been used through them was now used for them.  A solemn warning was given to the daring wickedness of the rulers.  When they thought their prisoners kept “with all safety,” in the darkness, behind bolted doors, “an angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said, ’Go ye, and stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this Life.’”

We know not the manner in which he led them out as he invisibly opened and closed the doors through which they passed, to obey without fear the heavenly bidding.  With consternation the rulers heard a messenger declare, in words almost echoing the angel’s command, “Behold the men whom ye put in prison are in the temple standing and teaching the people.”

Persecution scattered Christians who fled from Jerusalem, telling wherever they went, of Christ as the Saviour.  A deacon named Philip preached in Samaria with great effect.  “Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who, when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost.”

These two were chosen because they had taken the most active part in establishing the church in Jerusalem, and were specially fitted for similar work elsewhere.  With what peculiar feelings John must have entered Samaria.  He must have recalled a day when hot and weary he had journeyed thither with his Lord and met the Samaritaness at the well.  Perhaps he now met her again, and together they talked over that wonderful conversation which made her the first missionary to her people, many of whom declared, “We know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world.”

Did John on this visit enter into “a village of the Samaritans”—­the same where he had said, “Lord, wilt Thou that we bid fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” Is it of them that it is now said he “prayed for them”?  His fire of indignation and revenge had changed to the fire of love.  The pentecostal flames had rested on his head.