A captain of the guards (the Jewish temple guards) and his men were sent to bring back the apostles from the temple area to the high priest and the Council.  They feared for their lives because of the apostles’ popularity among the crowds in Jerusalem.  (Acts 5:26) 

  The accusation and condemnation of the high priest: (Acts 5:27)
(NASB) Acts 5:28 “…‘We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name (Jesus), and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’
  [NOTE: a Jewish mob had cried out for the crucifixion of Jesus and then they said:
(NASB) Matthew 27:25 “…‘His blood shall be on us and on our children!’”] 

 Peter’s response spoke for the apostles:
(NASB) Acts 5:29-32 “…‘We must obey God rather than men.
30 ‘The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross.
31 ‘He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 ‘And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.’”   

  There are many lessons that can be learned from the above.  Some could be:
*Obedience: the followers of Christ are to obey God…not people when they oppose God and His word!
*Resurrection: God the Father raised Jesus from the dead.
*Jews and Gentiles: were responsible for the death of Jesus on a cross.
*Jesus: God the Father exalted Him and now sits at His right hand in heaven.
*Jesus: is the Prince!
*Jesus: is the Savior!
*Jesus: belief in Him and His name grants repentance to all who turn to Him.
*Jesus: His very name means, “He will save His people from their sins.”
(Matthew 1:21)
*Peter and the apostles: were eye-witnesses to Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension.
*the Holy Spirit of God: is also a witness to Jesus – given by God the Father.
*the Holy Spirit of God: is given to all who choose to believe in Jesus
*Believers: they obey God’s words when they put their trust in the name of Jesus! 

  Peter and the apostles were bold witnesses of Jesus Christ.
  All followers of Christ have been given the Holy Spirit of God, and our God will strengthen us to be bold witnesses of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!