Acts 5:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the angel {G32} of the Lord {G2962} by {G1223} night {G3571} opened {G455} the prison {G5438} doors {G2374}, and {G5037} brought {G1806} them {G846} forth {G1806}, and said {G2036},

Complete Jewish Bible

But during the night, an angel of Adonai opened the doors of the prison, led them out and said,

Berean Standard Bible

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying,

American Standard Version

But an angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:19 dramatically recounts the divine intervention that freed the apostles from prison, where they had been confined by the Sanhedrin for boldly proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus and performing signs and wonders. This miraculous nocturnal release, orchestrated by an angel of the Lord, underscored God's sovereignty over human opposition and His unwavering commitment to the unstoppable advance of the Gospel message in the early days of the Church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the apostles' arrest by the high priest and the Sadducees, who were "filled with jealousy" (Acts 5:17) because of the apostles' widespread healing ministry and the rapid growth of the early church. They had placed the apostles in "public custody" (Acts 5:18), intending to interrogate and likely punish them the following morning. Acts 5:19 serves as a pivotal turning point, demonstrating God's direct and immediate response to this persecution, setting the stage for the apostles' continued bold proclamation in the temple the very next day, as commanded by the angel in [Acts 5:20](/acts/5-20 "Acts 5:20 - The Angel's Command"). This miraculous release not only frees the apostles but also publicly shames their persecutors, highlighting the futility of human attempts to thwart divine purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian movement emerged within a Jewish society under Roman occupation, where the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council, held significant authority, particularly in matters of religious law and order. The Sadducees, a prominent sect within the Sanhedrin, denied the resurrection of the dead, making the apostles' central message of Jesus' resurrection a direct challenge to their theological and political authority. Prisons in this era were often simple holding cells, but escape was virtually impossible without external aid, making the angelic intervention all the more extraordinary. The "night" setting emphasizes the clandestine and supernatural nature of the deliverance, bypassing all human security measures.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 5:19 powerfully illustrates several overarching themes central to the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, demonstrating God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, particularly in protecting His messengers and advancing His kingdom despite intense opposition. This echoes the Lord's promise to be with His disciples (e.g., [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). Secondly, the event underscores the **Unstoppable Nature of the Gospel**. Despite attempts to silence them, the apostles' mission to preach the Gospel was divinely protected and enabled, ensuring the continued spread of the message of Jesus Christ throughout Jerusalem and beyond, as seen throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles"). Finally, it showcases **Supernatural Power at Work**, transcending natural limitations and human security measures, serving as a powerful testament to God's omnipotence and His ability to intervene miraculously to achieve His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **angel (Greek, _ángelos'_):** From a root meaning "to bring tidings," this word refers to a messenger, especially a divine messenger. In this context, it denotes a literal angelic being sent by God to perform a specific task, underscoring the direct, supernatural nature of the intervention.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** Signifying supremacy and authority, this title refers to God or Master. Here, "the Lord" refers to God, emphasizing that the angel acts under divine command and authority, not independently. This highlights God's active role in the deliverance.
* **opened (Greek, _anoígō'_):** This verb means to open up, literally or figuratively. Its use here emphasizes the ease and completeness with which the prison doors were rendered ineffective, not merely unbarred but fully opened, allowing for the apostles' free egress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the angel of the Lord by night":** This clause introduces the divine agent and the timing of the miraculous intervention. The "angel of the Lord" signifies a direct emissary from God, emphasizing that this was not a random occurrence but a divinely orchestrated act. The phrase "by night" highlights the clandestine and supernatural nature of the event, occurring under the cover of darkness when human security would typically be most vigilant, yet rendered utterly ineffective.
* **"opened the prison doors, and brought them forth":** This describes the immediate and effective action of the angel. The opening of "prison doors" signifies the removal of physical barriers designed to contain the apostles. The phrase "brought them forth" indicates a complete liberation, not just an opportunity to escape, but an active leading out of confinement, ensuring their freedom. This demonstrates God's power to overcome any human impediment.
* **"and said,":** This final clause indicates that the angel's mission was not merely one of physical deliverance but also included a verbal instruction. This sets the stage for the angel's command in the subsequent verse (Acts 5:20), revealing the purpose behind the miraculous release: to enable the apostles to continue their preaching ministry without fear.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 5:19 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The primary device is **Divine Intervention**, where God directly intervenes in human affairs through His angelic messenger, demonstrating His omnipotence and sovereignty over earthly powers. This act serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of God's ability to break through any barrier—physical, political, or spiritual—that seeks to hinder His purposes. The contrast between the human attempt to imprison and silence the apostles (Acts 5:18) and God's effortless deliverance "by night" creates a dramatic **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the futility of human opposition against divine will. The concise, action-oriented verbs ("opened," "brought forth," "said") contribute to the narrative's **Pacing**, creating a sense of swift and decisive divine action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:19 profoundly illustrates the theological truth of God's active and sovereign involvement in the lives and ministries of His faithful servants. This miraculous deliverance is not merely an isolated event but a powerful demonstration of God's commitment to the advance of His kingdom and the proclamation of His Gospel. It underscores the principle that no human authority, physical barrier, or political opposition can ultimately thwart the divine will. God's intervention here reassures believers across all ages that He watches over His own, providing protection and enabling their mission even in the face of severe persecution, ensuring that His Word cannot be bound.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalm/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord")
* [Acts 12:6-11](/acts/12-6-11 "Acts 12:6-11 - Peter's Miraculous Escape from Prison")
* [Acts 16:25-26](/acts/16-25-26 "Acts 16:25-26 - Paul and Silas in Philippi")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:19 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers today. In a world where opposition to faith can manifest in various forms—from social ostracism to legal restrictions—this verse reminds us that God remains sovereign over all circumstances. It challenges us to maintain boldness in proclaiming the truth of the Gospel, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles or threats. We are called to trust that God's power transcends human limitations and that He is capable of intervening in ways we cannot foresee. This passage encourages us to pray for divine protection and intervention in our ministries and personal lives, knowing that God is actively at work to accomplish His purposes through His people. It fosters a spirit of unwavering faith, reminding us that no prison door, literal or metaphorical, can ultimately contain the liberating power of God's truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "prison doors" in your life or ministry feel insurmountable, and how does this passage encourage you to trust in God's supernatural power?**
* **How might God be calling you to greater boldness in sharing your faith, even in the face of potential opposition?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's unexpected intervention or protection in your life, and how can remembering those instances strengthen your faith today?**

### FAQ

**Was this the only time an angel freed someone from prison in Acts?**

Answer: No, this was not the only instance. The book of Acts records at least two other significant occasions where God miraculously intervened to free His servants from imprisonment. Later in Acts, the apostle Peter is again miraculously released from prison by an angel in [Acts 12:6-11](/acts/12-6-11 "Acts 12:6-11 - Peter's Miraculous Escape from Prison"). Furthermore, Paul and Silas experience a divine earthquake that opens their prison doors and loosens their chains in [Acts 16:25-26](/acts/16-25-26 "Acts 16:25-26 - Paul and Silas in Philippi"), leading to the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household. These recurring events underscore God's consistent commitment to enabling the spread of the Gospel.

**Why did God use an angel instead of just opening the doors directly?**

Answer: While God certainly has the power to act directly, His use of an angel in this instance, as in many others throughout Scripture, serves several purposes. Angels are divine messengers and agents, often employed to visibly demonstrate God's direct involvement and supernatural power in human affairs. The appearance of an angel adds to the dramatic impact and undeniable miraculous nature of the event, leaving no doubt that the apostles' release was not accidental or the result of human ingenuity. It emphasizes the divine authority behind the act and provides a clear sign to both the apostles and their persecutors that God was actively working to protect His Word and His people, as seen in other angelic appearances throughout [the Bible](/genesis/3 "The Bible - God's Word").

**What was the immediate result of this angelic deliverance?**

Answer: The immediate result of this angelic deliverance was the apostles' return to public ministry. The angel specifically instructed them to "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life" ([Acts 5:20](/acts/5-20 "Acts 5:20 - The Angel's Command")). True to this command, the apostles were found teaching in the temple courts the very next morning, much to the astonishment and frustration of the Sanhedrin who had expected to bring them to trial. This bold continuation of their ministry, despite the fresh threat of persecution, powerfully demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the Gospel and God's protective hand over them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:19, while narrating a specific event of angelic deliverance for the apostles, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the supreme deliverer. The angel's action of opening prison doors foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over the spiritual prison of sin and death. Jesus Himself declared His mission to "proclaim liberty to the captives and opening of the prison to those who are bound" ([Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me"), quoted by Jesus in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Nazareth Sermon")). Through His atoning death and glorious resurrection, Christ has indeed opened the doors of spiritual bondage, setting free those enslaved by sin and fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). The apostles' physical release by an angel points to the far greater spiritual release offered to all humanity through faith in Jesus, who is "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). Moreover, Christ, as the Head of the Church, continues to protect and empower His body, ensuring that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church on the Rock")), just as He supernaturally intervened for His apostles.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 16:26

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Psalms 34:7

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Acts 12:7

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him], and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from [his] hands.

Acts 12:11

And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and [from] all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Psalms 105:17

He sent a man before them, [even] Joseph, [who] was sold for a servant:

Psalms 105:20

The king sent and loosed him; [even] the ruler of the people, and let him go free.

Acts 27:23

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,