Counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus

Acts 4:15-18 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, (16) saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. (17) But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” (18) So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Though this was considered as a finality to the whole matter of witnessing in the name of Jesus, did the work of the Gospel stop?  Has the growth of His kingdom been curtailed over time?  It has not. 

Yes, leaders and governments must be respected and their laws must be obeyed.  Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. As we read this passage till the 7th verse, we see that Scripture has instructed us to be subject to the governing authorities, for they are God’s ministers for the good of the people. 

Yet, when it comes to the matter of witnessing to Christ and bringing people to faith in Jesus, we must obey God.

Why is this so? 

This is because governments and authorities are only responsible for the things pertaining to this life but the matter of eternity and relationship with God is beyond the purview of rulers, authorities, and governments. 

Unless a person receives Christ into his life as Lord, that person will perish.  John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. This is why we must share the good news with a world that is perishing without surrendering to God. 

Therefore, though the leaders took an extreme position, passing a law, preventing the teaching, or preaching in the name of Jesus, the disciples continued to witness the name of Jesus. Acts 4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

They were arrested again but the Lord encouraged them to continue to teach and preach in the name of Jesus.  Acts 5:19-20 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, (20) “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

Yet again the leaders reiterated their final position that there should be no teaching or preaching in the name of Jesus.  Act 5:40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

The witnessing did not stop but continued. 

What took place then and what has been taking place all through the centuries is the fulfilment of what the Lord told His disciples.  Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

This was the great commission that the Lord gave His disciples, which is being fulfilled.  Luke 24:46-49 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, (47) and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (48) And you are witnesses of these things. (49) Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

As His disciples did then, let us also praise the Lord that we are counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. Acts 5:41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

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