Acts 5:22-42 - Counted Worthy to Suffer for His Name

The prison was securely locked. The guards remained at their posts. But when the officers opened the doors, the apostles were gone.

God had delivered them—and instead of fleeing for safety, they returned directly to the temple and continued preaching Jesus Christ.

When they were brought before the council again, the apostles answered with unwavering conviction:

“We ought to obey God rather than men.”
—Acts 5:29

Peter did not soften the truth to protect himself. He confronted the religious leaders with their guilt, proclaimed the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus, and still offered them the opportunity to receive repentance and forgiveness.

The council responded with fury and plotted to kill the apostles. But Gamaliel warned them:

“If it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
—Acts 5:39

The apostles were beaten, threatened, and released. Yet they did not leave defeated. They departed rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.

Their circumstances became increasingly difficult, but their faith became increasingly strong. They could rejoice because their eyes were not fixed on their pain, their reputation, or this present world. Their eyes were fixed on Christ and the reward He had promised.

We will never be able to rejoice in suffering—or remain faithful through opposition—while our eyes are fixed on this world.

In this lesson from Acts 5:22–42, we examine:

• Why the apostles continued preaching despite repeated arrests
• The difference between defending ourselves and telling the truth for the good of others
• Why the unregenerate heart often values reputation more than character
• Peter’s continued offer of repentance and forgiveness
• Gamaliel’s warning against fighting the sovereign work of God
• How obedience can bring increasing opposition
• Why the apostles rejoiced after being beaten
• How an eternal perspective produces courage, joy, and faithfulness

Jesus warned His disciples that persecution would come—but He also promised that their reward in heaven would be great.

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” —Acts 5:42