Rejoicing in Suffering
Acts 5:40–42 (NASB95)
40 They took 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 from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 5:40-42 concludes the account of the apostles' second appearance before the Sanhedrin, highlighting their joyful endurance of persecution and their unwavering commitment to preaching the Gospel. Influenced by Gamaliel's advice, the council chooses to flog the apostles and warn them again not to speak in Jesus' name. This act demonstrates that while they were hesitant to kill the apostles outright, they were still determined to suppress their message due to their popularity with the people. Note the irony of the Sanhedrin heeding Gamaliel, a man respected by the people, yet ultimately disregarding God's will revealed through the apostles and confirmed by the Holy Spirit. This again contrasts sharply with the crowd's response to Peter at Pentecost, demonstrating the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders.
Despite being flogged, the apostles leave the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. This joy, rooted in their understanding of Jesus' teachings and the example of the prophets who suffered before them, testifies to the Gospel's transformative power. They viewed this suffering not as a defeat but a badge of honor, a sign of their faithfulness to Jesus. This is especially powerful given the cultural importance of honor and shame in the ancient world. Public flogging was a humiliating experience meant to disgrace the recipient. Yet, the apostles rejoiced, demonstrating that their identity and worth were found in Christ alone.
Furthermore, the passage emphasizes the apostles' unwavering commitment to preaching the Gospel. Despite the Sanhedrin's orders to stop teaching in Jesus' name, they continued to proclaim the good news daily in the temple courts and private homes. This persistent obedience to God's call, even in the face of opposition, underscores the power of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives. The apostles understood their authority came from God, not the elite.
The apostles' response to persecution provides a powerful example for the modern church. We will face opposition and even suffering for our faith. But like the apostles, we should find joy in knowing that we are sharing in Christ's sufferings. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, regardless of the consequences. Our ultimate allegiance is to God, not to human authorities. By relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and following the apostles' example, we can overcome obstacles and continue to advance God's Kingdom on earth. Their joy in the face of suffering reminds us that true joy is not found in the absence of trials, but in the presence of Christ, who strengthens us to endure them.
Blessings,
Ryan Goodnight