The rulers threatened the apostles not to preach in the name of Christ, but had to let them go that time. But the violence against the church escalated during the next encounter: Peter and the others were again preaching at the temple the Gospel of salvation by faith in Christ. The rulers arrested and jailed them, and reminded them that they had been told not to preach in the name of Christ, yet they were still doing so, filling Jerusalem with the Gospel, and accusing the rulers of murdering Messiah! How dare they try to bring Christ's blood down on the rulers' hands! Early Christians were very clear on this point, because it was true: Peter had repeatedly accused the people and the rulers of crucifying Christ, even as he proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation by Christ through faith in His offering for sin. What a privilege it was for the early Christians to be able to confront those wicked rulers who crucified Christ, and face to face, force them to acknowledge the accusation of what they had done. After all, these very same people had demanded of Pontius Pilate, that Christ's blood be upon their hands, and the hands of their children! But now they were not keen at all to be confronted with their crimes against Messiah. Once again, Peter made it clear: that it was obedience to God's command that they both preach the Gospel of Christ, and accuse the rulers of murdering Him on the cross! Peter refused to cease preaching, and would not withdraw the accusation, even before the face of those very rulers who strongly objected to the truth. Therefore, Peter did it again to their faces! "The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew and hanged on a tree!"