The story of the Acts of the Apostles as told by Luke is an amazing series of events, miraculous signs and wonders, spiritual conversions, and faith over the first thirty years of the Church. Nothing more personifies the apostles’ courage and depth of faith than the stories of fearless preaching in the Name of Jesus in the face of stern opposition of the Sanhedrin and ruling Jews.
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One such story of Peter and the other apostles evangelising in the temple courts is memorable for more than one reason. Those in the Sanhedrin were perplexed, not knowing what to do with the apostles. Read part of the speech a Pharisee named Gamaliel -- a teacher of the law -- made in citing examples of previous men of insurgent activity (i.e. that they were of ‘human origin,’ which is what he thought the apostles were) convincing the Sanhedrin to let the men go:
One such story of Peter and the other apostles evangelising in the temple courts is memorable for more than one reason. Those in the Sanhedrin were perplexed, not knowing what to do with the apostles. Read part of the speech a Pharisee named Gamaliel -- a teacher of the law -- made in citing examples of previous men of insurgent activity (i.e. that they were of ‘human origin,’ which is what he thought the apostles were) convincing the Sanhedrin to let the men go:
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“Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38b-39 NIV.)
“Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38b-39 NIV.)
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This position made a lot of sense. But what happens next demonstrates the victorious power of Spiritual life in Jesus’ name:
This position made a lot of sense. But what happens next demonstrates the victorious power of Spiritual life in Jesus’ name:
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“His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
“His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
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“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 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 Christ.” (Acts 5:40-42 NIV -- bold for emphasis.)
“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 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 Christ.” (Acts 5:40-42 NIV -- bold for emphasis.)
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How many of us rejoice because we’re ‘counted worthy of suffering disgrace for Jesus’ name’? Yet we have numerous opportunities daily to praise God for all the very many trials we are subjected to -- for his faithfulness in all of it. It’s the same deal. We might not be actively evangelising but by simple virtue of the fact we choose not to complain, we glorify the Saviour’s name. We astound some when we do not react. We astonish further when we thank God for the bad things that we endure.
How many of us rejoice because we’re ‘counted worthy of suffering disgrace for Jesus’ name’? Yet we have numerous opportunities daily to praise God for all the very many trials we are subjected to -- for his faithfulness in all of it. It’s the same deal. We might not be actively evangelising but by simple virtue of the fact we choose not to complain, we glorify the Saviour’s name. We astound some when we do not react. We astonish further when we thank God for the bad things that we endure.
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Not that it’s easy. It makes me cringe just to think of what might be around the corner having suggested my personal response to suffering is to praise -- but that’s the power of God; to get us there.
Not that it’s easy. It makes me cringe just to think of what might be around the corner having suggested my personal response to suffering is to praise -- but that’s the power of God; to get us there.
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Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
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