In the latter part of Acts Chapter 5 in the New Testament, the apostles, these leaders in the early church, had been imprisoned yet again.
Crowds had been coming to receive help and healing from God, and the popularity of the apostles caused jealousy to fill the hearts of the religious leaders in Jerusalem.
When you serve Jesus Christ, obediently and faithfully, do not be too surprised when you are misunderstood.
Around our world today, serious sore and painful persecution is the experience of many disciples of Jesus.
In Acts Chapter 5, Professor Gamaliel tries to subdue the fierce anger of the courtroom, thinking that this Jesus movement might fizzle out and disappear, and he cautions the court against putting the leaders of the church of Jesus Christ to death.
That was their specific intention.
Gamaliel persuades them not to go down that road.
Whatever situation you find yourself in today, look to God to help and strengthen you.
These Bible study articles which I am writing must not be only historical or theoretical, but relevant and practical.
Irrespective of Gamaliel's persuasive speech, they still wanted to reprimand the leaders of the church of Jesus Christ.
Why? They flogged them.
It would be 39 lashes.
That was the Roman law.
The law dictated that you give 40 lashes and they authorities always gave one less than 40 so as not to be seen to breaking the law! This is the first time this had happened in that young Church of Jesus Christ.
Never before have these leaders been treated like this.
Not only is the church growing numerically, but persecution develops too.
These apostles are commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus.
What an absurd command to give to bold courageous men like Peter and John.
Do remember that there is power in the name of Jesus Christ.
Use is wisely and reverently.
They left the court rejoicing, because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of Jesus.
Not many people in the Western World would be able to take such a worthy positive attitude, and God honours this outlook by placing it in His Holy Word.
These leaders are now marked men, in more ways than one.
They had been bullied, mistreated, beaten, threatened, and yet they were able to rejoice.
There is not a word of complaint, and not a hint of self-pity or feeling sorry for themselves.
On they went teaching the believers and preaching the good news that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Saviour - the One Who saves and rescues us from our sins.
On it goes, and on goes the true Church of Jesus Christ today, sharing Jesus, as we are led and guided, inspired and motivated by the Holy Spirit.
Play your part wherever you are, sharing and testifying that Jesus is the Christ, the Saviour, the One, the only One, Who saves us from our sin and sins.
Is there a higher role a man or woman could be called to in the whole world?I am not aware of one and I have been involved in the front line now for forty years.
Crowds had been coming to receive help and healing from God, and the popularity of the apostles caused jealousy to fill the hearts of the religious leaders in Jerusalem.
When you serve Jesus Christ, obediently and faithfully, do not be too surprised when you are misunderstood.
Around our world today, serious sore and painful persecution is the experience of many disciples of Jesus.
In Acts Chapter 5, Professor Gamaliel tries to subdue the fierce anger of the courtroom, thinking that this Jesus movement might fizzle out and disappear, and he cautions the court against putting the leaders of the church of Jesus Christ to death.
That was their specific intention.
Gamaliel persuades them not to go down that road.
Whatever situation you find yourself in today, look to God to help and strengthen you.
These Bible study articles which I am writing must not be only historical or theoretical, but relevant and practical.
Irrespective of Gamaliel's persuasive speech, they still wanted to reprimand the leaders of the church of Jesus Christ.
Why? They flogged them.
It would be 39 lashes.
That was the Roman law.
The law dictated that you give 40 lashes and they authorities always gave one less than 40 so as not to be seen to breaking the law! This is the first time this had happened in that young Church of Jesus Christ.
Never before have these leaders been treated like this.
Not only is the church growing numerically, but persecution develops too.
These apostles are commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus.
What an absurd command to give to bold courageous men like Peter and John.
Do remember that there is power in the name of Jesus Christ.
Use is wisely and reverently.
They left the court rejoicing, because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of Jesus.
Not many people in the Western World would be able to take such a worthy positive attitude, and God honours this outlook by placing it in His Holy Word.
These leaders are now marked men, in more ways than one.
They had been bullied, mistreated, beaten, threatened, and yet they were able to rejoice.
There is not a word of complaint, and not a hint of self-pity or feeling sorry for themselves.
On they went teaching the believers and preaching the good news that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Saviour - the One Who saves and rescues us from our sins.
On it goes, and on goes the true Church of Jesus Christ today, sharing Jesus, as we are led and guided, inspired and motivated by the Holy Spirit.
Play your part wherever you are, sharing and testifying that Jesus is the Christ, the Saviour, the One, the only One, Who saves us from our sin and sins.
Is there a higher role a man or woman could be called to in the whole world?I am not aware of one and I have been involved in the front line now for forty years.
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