Suffering for the Name

As we continue in our study through the book of Acts, this week we explore Acts 5:12-42. In the story we see many signs and wonders being done through the apostles and the apostles arrested and freed. "When the apostles left the presence of the council, they left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" (Acts 5:41). They celebrated that they were considered worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of Jesus. From the story we see that the moment of Jesus wasn't going to be stopped. This story calls the church today to imitate this kind of faith and continue in the teaching and proclamation of the gospel of Jesus the Messiah. We also see how glorious, beautiful, and powerful the name of Jesus is that his followers would rejoice to be considered worthy to suffer on behalf of Him. Jesus left us an example that we might follow in his steps and we can rejoice as our lives are conformed to his humility, suffering, and exaltation.