The Bible verse Acts 5:17-18 in the King James Version (KJV) states:

"Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison."

This verse comes from the Book of Acts, which is the fifth book of the New Testament. It was written by Luke, the same author of the Gospel of Luke. The Book of Acts provides a historical account of the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The verses in Acts 5:17-18 take place in Jerusalem, where the apostles were teaching and performing miracles. The high priest, who was the leader of the Jewish religious establishment, and the Sadducees, a religious sect that denied the resurrection of the dead, were filled with indignation. This was likely due to the apostles' teachings and their growing influence on the people of Jerusalem.

The high priest and the Sadducees' reaction to the apostles' message reveals the tension and opposition that the early Christians faced from the religious authorities of the time. The imprisonment of the apostles demonstrates the persecution and hardships that the early church endured as they spread the gospel.

In a broader context, these verses also speak to the theme of spiritual warfare and the opposition that Christians may face when they seek to live out their faith and share the message of the gospel. The apostles' boldness in preaching Christ and performing miracles led to their imprisonment, but it also served to advance the kingdom of God.

The symbolism in these verses lies in the contrast between the prison and the freedom that the apostles had in proclaiming the gospel. While they were physically confined, their spirits were free and empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue their ministry, as we see in the subsequent verses where the apostles are miraculously released from prison by an angel of the Lord.

Furthermore, the imprisonment of the apostles serves as a testament to the persecution and suffering that Christians may face for their faith. This theme of suffering for the sake of Christ is prevalent throughout the New Testament and serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship. The apostles' example challenges us to consider our own commitment to proclaiming the gospel, even in the face of opposition and hardship.

Overall, Acts 5:17-18 in the King James Version provides a powerful reminder of the challenges and opposition that the early Christians faced, as well as the themes of spiritual warfare, persecution, and the cost of discipleship. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and bold in proclaiming the gospel, despite the obstacles that may come our way.