Acts 5:40-42 NIV
His (Gamaliel) 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. 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.
Personal Challenge...
Having grown up in the United States and in the church here I have never been really persecuted for my beliefs. I read of the apostles and the early fathers of the church and see how in the midst of vicious and life-taking persecution they receive the persecution joyfully and then go right back to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ knowing full well that they will be persecuted again. It makes me wonder...how will we as modern day Christians respond today to this kind of persecution. Are we (am I) able to separate our life in Christ from our politics, our worldly passions, our safe institutions and stand for Him alone?
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