The True Witnessing Spirit
Acts 5:41, 42
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.


And they departed, etc.

I. THE NAME OF CHRIST the source of it. No such spirit in the world. Heroism may sustain strength, but does not give joy, unless it is like the apostles'. Had not the Name been Divine, how could it have produced such fruits in such men?

II. THE TEACHING AND PREACHING, both in the temple and at home, must be in the martyr spirit. We must expect to suffer some dishonor. But such a spirit invincible and victorious.

III. THE HONOUR OF THE CHURCH over against the honor of the world. "Counted worthy." God's reckoning. Spiritual worthies. The joy was not only a secret joy, it was the foretaste of heaven. Enforce the example. - R.



Parallel Verses
KJV: And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

WEB: They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus' name.




The Joy of Suffering for Christ
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