How can we respond to persecution like the apostles in Acts 5:40? Setting the Scene “At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They summoned the apostles, flogged them, and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus; then they released them.” (Acts 5:40) Persecution: A Normal Part of Discipleship • “Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) • Jesus forewarned us: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.” (John 15:18-20) Rejoicing in Suffering • The apostles “left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” (Acts 5:41) • 1 Peter 4:13: “Rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.” • Joy springs from knowing persecution confirms our union with Christ and our future reward (Matthew 5:11-12). Uncompromised Obedience • Earlier they declared, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) • Even after the flogging “every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” (Acts 5:42) Spirit-Empowered Boldness • Acts 4:31 shows the pattern: prayer, filling of the Spirit, bold gospel witness. • Ephesians 6:19-20 reminds us to keep speaking “boldly, as I ought to speak,” even in chains. Practical Ways to Imitate the Apostles Today • Anchor your mind in Scripture—daily intake fortifies conviction (Psalm 1:2-3). • Expect opposition; prepare your heart in advance so you’re not surprised (1 Peter 4:12). • Choose joy—thank God aloud for the privilege of representing Christ when mistreated (James 1:2-4). • Keep proclaiming the gospel; silence is the very thing persecution seeks to achieve—refuse to grant it victory (Philippians 1:14). • Lean on fellowship; believers “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). • Pray for persecutors, following Jesus’ command in Luke 6:27-28; God often turns enemies into brothers (Acts 9). • Hold the eternal perspective—“this light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) Encouragement to Stand Firm The apostles’ flogged backs did not dampen their burning hearts. By rejoicing, obeying God over man, and relying on the Spirit, they turned persecution into a platform for witness. The same Lord empowers us today; therefore, when opposition comes, we can answer it with joyful courage and unshakable faith. |
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