The believers had asked for boldness at the end of Acts 4.  In the next chapter they have a chance to use the gift given in answer to that prayer.  The Sadducees (the party that denied any resurrection from the dead) and the high priest, “filled with jealousy,” arrested the apostles and threw them in jail.  An angel rescued them in the night and told them to go back to the temple and “speak to the people all the words of this Life.”

The arresting council members were freaked that their prisoners had escaped past locked doors and sentries, but they were still very angry and jealous.  The captain and the guard may also have been angry but he had the good sense not to force the apostles to come with him – not only did these apostles have prison-breaking powers, but the people were on their side.

The council members warned Jesus’ followers once more to cease and desist from telling the people about who killed Jesus, but Peter, knowing whom he served and what he had seen (including escape-by-angel), boldly proclaimed “We must obey God rather than men.  The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.  God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

The council members were enraged, but they had heard the gospel:  Jesus died on the tree, was raised from the dead, and sits at the right hand of the Father.  His death provides forgiveness of sins to those who repent and believe.  And, there is a new player – the Holy Spirit – giving boldness, comfort, and wisdom those who obey God,  and being a witness himself.

The apostles were roughed up and released.  But they rejoiced, remembering that they would be blessed because others reviled them on account of Jesus Christ, their Lord, King, and Savior.