God was doing incredible miracles through the Apostles as He established the church. In fact, people would bring the sick and the lame out on mats so that even Peter’s shadow would heal them as they passed by, and they were healed. They would go to the temple courts and preach Jesus, Messiah, crucified and resurrected.
Then the high priest rose up. He and all who were with him, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.
They had them arrested and thrown in jail. That night God sent an angel and released them from prison, and told them to go back to the Temple courts and preach, and they did. The Jewish council sent for them from prison, and they weren’t there, then they heard they were teaching in the Temple courts. Wow! They brought them in again said “didn’t we tell you not to teach in this name.”
Peter reminds them that they had Jesus killed and tells them that they are witnesses of His resurrection and that Jesus is the one who brings forgiveness for sins.
They were furious, but a wise one among them, Gamelielal, spoke to the council, reminding them of others who came and failed and then said to them:
So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.
The council listened to him, had the disciples flogged, and then released them.
Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.,
Incredible, jailed, beaten, shamed – Rejoicing! They had been counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name – Jesus.
Even with the beatings, threat of death, and be jailed:
Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Wow! Father, help us to understand the glory of your Son, His resurrection, the forgiveness of sins He gives in His name.
Help us not to be intimidated to declare Jesus to others and to rejoice even when shamed for His Name.
