It was quite a spectacular prison escape! The apostles had been arrested and thrown into prison, but an angel of the Lord set them free. They didn't run far away or hide, for freedom means one is free to do the will of God, and it was God's will that they preach and teach. That is exactly what they did after their 'escape' - they merely returned to their mission and continued their teaching in the temple. God's ways will not be blocked or turned aside for long. When we are doing the will of God, all sorts of doors will open for us.

'God so loved the world...' - this is the most famous verse in the New Testament. God was not interested in judgment or punishment - he wanted to save all and grant eternal life. The only thing necessary was faith in the one whom God sent - Jesus. God doesn't punish anyone for refusal to believe - they punish themselves by denying themselves the blessings and gifts that God offers. Why would some prefer darkness to light? The answer is simple: fear. Many do not want their lives illuminated by the light for it is terrifying and humiliating. But when something is brought into the light, it too will be transformed into light. We have nothing to fear.