“So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” Acts 5:39–42
Does something about today’s passage strike you as odd? How did Jesus’ first followers react after getting beat up for speaking about Jesus?
The Bible says they rejoiced! Isn’t that crazy? Why would they do that?
It might have something to do with the fact they had closely followed Jesus during his earthly ministry, and Jesus himself had been severely persecuted. Jesus told them that if the world persecuted him, it would persecute his followers too. But why rejoice?
These believers loved Jesus so much that they wanted to prove they were his followers. Suffering the same opposition that Jesus faced proves they were preaching Jesus’ same message. It means they were faithful! They didn’t back down, and they didn’t deny Jesus just because of difficulties.
Persecution will always prove who Jesus’ real followers are. Many leave the faith if it gets hard. But true disciples of Jesus stay with him no matter what, and we see this illustrated in today’s text.
Read
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.”
- How does God want us to act when we are persecuted?
- Have you ever been persecuted for your faith? If so, how did you respond?
Prayer
Our Father, thank you for the times when our faith is tested. We need your strength to endure and persevere when that happens. Give us the grace to speak without fear and to continue in the faith no matter what. We need you—please help our unbelief. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide: Chapters 1–5. Pick up a copy today for only $7.99. The study guide includes an 11-week curriculum with small group studies, group inductive studies, as well as 55 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
