An incredible example to follow
Ignoring the Pharisees’ Orders
===
saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in [Jesus’s] name. Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood on us!”
Acts 5:28 (NET)
===
Why, yes … they do intend to bring this man’s blood on you.
That’s the essence of the Gospel message:
Our sin separates us from God and the only remedy is a perfect sacrifice in our place.
It’s actually a little bit ironic how these religious leaders feared the uprising by taking responsibility for the death of Jesus (which is the thinking behind the idiom of “bring this man’s blood on us”). Yet, in a more literal/spiritual sense, that’s exactly what needs to happen.
As believers, we brought Jesus’ blood on us.
Obviously that happened in a spiritual sense.
(I suspect there is some physical aspect to it too but that’s getting a little “in the weeds.” Important, but not necessary for today’s discussion.)
The other thing to notice in this verse is the reaction to how boldly & broadly the disciples have preached the name of Jesus.
They’ve filled the whole of Jerusalem with their message of Good News.
That’s exactly how Christianity spread in the early days of the church:
Regular believers shared Jesus with nearly everyone.
What an example to follow!
It didn’t matter that they were ordered by the leaders of the day to stop. They were compelled to share the hope of Jesus with people.
I confess that I struggle to do that myself.
May I be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as I go about my days.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.