3/30/10 Acts 5
Keep Right On
The apostles faced opposition from the religious establishment as they continued to proclaim the name of Jesus. They were put into public jail, but the Father did not want them in the jail at this time because He wanted them to be publicly speaking to the people and verse 20 says they were to proclaim “the whole message of Life.” After the religious officials found out that the apostles were at the temple teaching the people they went again and had them seized. When they had brought them back in front of the counsel they instructed them again that they were not to teach or speak in the name of Jesus. Their answer was that they must obey God rather than mere men and they were not about to be silent about God the Father raising Jesus from the dead who is now exalted at His right hand of the Father and a Prince and a Savior to grant repentance and forgiveness. They were witnesses of these things and the Holy Spirit inside of them testified to these truths so they were not about to be silent, because it would be criminal to not share the truth with others to what the Father had done through Jesus.
After hearing this, the religious leaders were ready to kill the apostles, but one of their respected members spoke up in defense of the apostles and they took his advice to release them, but before they did they probably whipped them with 39 lashes as Old Testament law and forbid them to speak in the name of Jesus.
The apostle’s response after receiving their undeserved punishment was rejoicing which is truly amazing. They were thrilled that they were able to be persecuted for the name of Jesus. Then every day in the temple they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
We need to be encouraged by their example. As American believers in Jesus Christ we do not presently suffer much for His name. Where is our boldness and courage to proclaim the name of Jesus to others? We need to pray for our brothers and sisters in many countries that do suffer greatly for His name to keep right on preaching Jesus. This week as Good Friday and Easter approach there are many who are teaching and preaching the message that Jesus died on the cross and was raised again the third day with the possibility of being imprisoned and punished unjustly simply for teaching what they are witnesses by the Holy Spirit who God has given to those who obey Him.
We must pray for ourselves that we will confidently and boldly tell others about Jesus who has been exalted at the right hand of God and is a Prince and a Savior who grants repentance and forgiveness of sins committed against the Father. When we are met with opposition and persecution let us keep right on teaching and preaching in His name and rejoice that we would be considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Prayer: Father you ought to be exalted and worshipped by every living thing on earth, but there are many who deny Your existence and others who simply reject Your message of repentance and forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I pray Father for my brothers and sisters to keep right on teaching and preaching the message of Jesus in their nations which are hostile and restricted to the good news found in Jesus Christ. Give them confidence, boldness, peace, and rejoicing in the Spirit as they teach and suffer for His name. I pray for the spouses and the children that suffer because their husband or dad who has obeyed the truth rather than obeyed men. I pray that you birth in them by the Spirit peace and joy during their persecution and suffering. I ask for boldness today as I also witness and carry the message of Jesus to people who will laugh or scorn me, but oh what a little price to pay for His name. Whatever the future holds give me the perseverance to keep right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ, in His name. Amen.