Rejoice for Being Worthy to Suffer Shame for His Name
Scripture Passage: Acts 5:33-42 (NASB)
33 But when they heard this, they became infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men. 36 For, some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. 38 And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or movement is men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”
40 They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And every day, in the temple and rom house to house, they did not stop teaching and preaching the good news of Jesus as the Christ.
SUMMARY
Peter and apostles were arrested again while spreading the gospel and were brought to the council. Although many council members were furious and wanted to kill Peter and apostles, Gamaliel convinced them to leave them alone. Council members agreed with Gamaliel and released the apostles after beating and charging them not to speak in the name of Jesus. As they left the council, they rejoiced for being counted worthy of suffering disgrace for His name and continued teaching and preaching the good news of Jesus Christ.
REFLECTION & APPLICATION
It took me some time to process and understand the disciples’ response. I questioned again and again, “how could they rejoice when they got arrested twice and beaten?” These disciples were completely filled with the Holy Spirit and were able to see this world and people through God’s eyes. Shame and physical suffering did not mean much for them. Instead, they rejoiced that they had been effective enough in their witness to suffer the same shame Jesus had encountered at these men’s hands. They considered it worthy and a great honor to suffer shame for preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. What an amazing response and great attitude!
REFLECTION & APPLICATION
This passage made me think about my attitude toward sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to others. Honestly I tend to be passive and struggle with the fear of rejection and judgement. I value what others think of me more than obeying God’s command to share the good news of Jesus Christ. I will pray that God will give me boldness and opportunities to share my faith with others just like the disciples did in verse 42 “day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I am humbled and challenged by today’s passage. I repent my selfishness and hardened heart. Fill me with your Holy Spirit each day so that I may see the people and world through Your eyes. Help me to see opportunities to share the good news throughout the day and give me boldness to share my faith with others. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
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