What does Acts 5:23 Mean?

Context Summary

While the Holy Spirit works mightily within the Church, He co-operates with it in its outward operations by adding men and women to the Lord. None should be added to the Church roll who have not already been led into living union with Jesus. Through the Church, as His body, the risen Savior works such miracles as are here narrated, filling the hearts of the humble with love and joy, and exciting inveterate hatred in His foes.

The angel of God comes to open prison doors. Are you in sore trouble, from which there is no apparent deliverance? Are you imprisoned in the dungeon of doubt and black despair? Are you being heavily persecuted? Oh, wrap around you the divine protection! Dare to believe that the doors will open as by unseen hands. Nothing can stay the purposes of God. Only use your God-given liberty to go forth to teach the people. The gospel is a message to the people. Let us preach to the hungry, needy crowds. Philosophers, scientists, the wise and prudent of the age, may mock, but the people know the gospel when they hear it. Let us give it to them! [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 5

¹  After that Ananias and Sapphira his wife,
³  at Peter's rebuke had fallen down dead;
¹²  and that the rest of the apostles had wrought many miracles;
¹⁴  to the increase of the faith;
¹⁷  the apostles are again imprisoned;
¹⁹  but delivered by an angel bidding them preach openly to all;
²¹  when, after their teaching accordingly in the temple,
²⁹  and before the council,
³³  they are in danger to be killed;
³⁴  but through the advice of Gamaliel, they are kept alive, and are only beaten;
⁴¹  for which they glorify God, and cease no day from preaching