Focal Passage: Acts 5:29-42
The word “worthy” is defined by the dictionary as having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in a specified way. When used biblically, it characterizes a believer who walks in a manner worthy of the calling with which he has been called and is one whose daily living corresponds to his blessed position as a child of God and fellow heir with Jesus Christ.
We find it hard to rejoice in suffering. In fact, human nature drives us completely in the opposite direction. The only way this changes is if we recognize the cause of our suffering is of a higher value and greater worth. The Apostle Paul often remarked about the joy he received in suffering affliction because of Jesus. Why? Because it elevates us to a level higher than ourselves as we share in the suffering of Jesus who suffered for us in our redemption. It is easier for us to suffer for those we love. It may not be pleasant, but we know the reason we are experiencing it and the value is worth the price.
In our study this week we find the Apostles doing exactly what the Sanhedrin had ordered them not to do. They had returned to the Temple courts after Peter and John’s arrest and release and was boldly preaching and teaching Jesus as the Messiah. Only this time it was all the Apostles, not just Peter and John. The high priest and the Sadducees were filled with jealously and anger. They once again sent the Temple guard and had them all arrested and put in jail. However, God sent an angel that night and released them with a command to continue preaching about Jesus in the Temple courts.
Nimmo
I cannot help but be amused to think about the look on the Sadducees faces when they went to the jail and found all the Apostles gone with the guards still at the door. Anyway, the Apostles were back in the Temple courts the very next day as the angel had instructed. They were arrested again and brought before the Sanhedrin again. They asked the Apostles why they had disobeyed their order. Peter, speaking for all the Apostles, boldly proclaimed that they must obey God, not men.
The Sadducees became furious and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel stepped in and defused the situation. He told them to be careful. If what the Apostles were doing was not of God, then nothing would become of it.
However, if it was of God, they would not be able to stop it and would find themselves fighting God instead. After being persuaded by Gamaliel, the Sanhedrin decided to punish the Apostles for disobeying their orders by having all of them flogged. They then ordered them again not to preach or teach Jesus and let them go.
I love how verse 41 sums up their experience, “The Apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” Then, they went right back to doing what God told them to do. What a wonderful example for us when we suffer persecution for our faith in Jesus. B&R
