Although the apostles were miraculously delivered from prison, they were not safe from examination and punishment. Christ had said when He was with them, "Take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils." Mark 13:9. By sending an angel to deliver them, God had given them a token of His love and an assurance of His presence. It was now their part to suffer for the sake of the One whose gospel they were preaching.

Skønt apostlene på underfuld måde var blevet befriet fra fængslet, slap de ikke for forhør og straf. Da Kristus var sammen med dem, havde han sagt: "Agt vel på jer selv; man skal overgive jer til domstole." Mark. 13,9. Ved at sende en engel til deres udfrielse havde Gud givet dem et bevis på sin kærlighed og en forvisning om sin nærværelse. Nu tilkom det dem at lide for hans skyld, hvis evangelium de prædikede.