7, 8. What effect did the angel’s command no doubt have on the apostles, and we do well to ask ourselves what question?

⁷ Sitting in jail awaiting trial, the apostles may have wondered whether they were about to suffer martyrdom at the hands of their enemies. (Matt. 24:9) But during the night, something most unexpected happened​—“Jehovah’s angel opened the doors of the prison.”b (Acts 5:19) The angel then gave them specific direction: “Take your stand in the temple, and keep on speaking.” (Acts 5:20) That command no doubt assured the apostles that they had been doing the right thing. The angel’s words may also have strengthened them to remain firm no matter what happened. With strong faith and courage, the apostles “entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.”​—Acts 5:21.

⁸ Each of us does well to ask, ‘Would I have the faith and courage needed to continue preaching under similar circumstances?’ We may draw strength from knowing that the vital work of “bearing thorough witness concerning the Kingdom of God” has angelic backing and direction.​—Acts 28:23; Rev. 14:6, 7.