Book of Acts - Chapter 5 - Verse 18

When the apostles were mentioned as being put in the common prison, it signifies a turning point in the book of Acts. The apostles had been spreading the teachings of Jesus and performing miracles, drawing the attention of both devout followers and skeptics. By being imprisoned, the apostles faced persecution for their faith and the authority they held as messengers of God. This event serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early Christians in sharing the gospel and the sacrifices made in the name of spreading the word of God. Despite the apostles being imprisoned, their faith remained steadfast, and they continued to preach and share the message of Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the determination and courage of the apostles in the face of adversity and opposition.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse, "And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison," it is important to consider the significance of this action in the context of the early Christian church. In the New Testament, the act of laying hands on someone was often associated with a transfer of spiritual power or authority. In this case, the religious leaders were asserting their authority and attempting to silence the apostles who were preaching about Jesus. Additionally, the imprisonment of the apostles serves as a reminder of the persecution faced by early Christians for their beliefs.

Furthermore, a word study on the phrase "common prison" reveals that the Greek word used for "common" can also be interpreted as "public" or "shared." This suggests that the apostles were placed in a prison that was likely used for holding multiple individuals. The use of this term highlights the public nature of their arrest and the fact that they were being held alongside other prisoners.

In conclusion, the theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the power struggle between the religious authorities and the early Christians, while a word study sheds light on the conditions of the apostles' imprisonment. These insights deepen our understanding of the challenges faced by the early church and the perseverance of the apostles in spreading the message of Jesus Christ.