American National Preacher Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.… The history of the Church, as given in the Acts of the Apostles, shows the enmity of the carnal mind towards God. But the persecution to which the apostles were subject has its bright, no less than its dark side. It shows us the integrity — the courage of these men of God. Many have hazarded life from love of worldly honour and glory; self, in some form or other, has been the prompting motive; and they have won the applause of man. But a higher and nobler feeling has induced the followers of Christ to go to the prison and stake. I. THE SITUATION OF THESE MEN OF GOD. The circumstances in which they were placed were harassing and painful. The whole weight of the civil power was brought to bear upon them. They were also put to shame. They were men of high moral sensibility, and keenly felt the degradation attached to a public whipping, as if they had been robbers, yet they rejoiced. But what fault had they committed? They were punished because they preached pardon to the guilty, and salvation through Christ to them that believe. II. THE JUDGMENT THEY FORMED OF THE TREATMENT THEY RECEIVED. They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of their Lord and Master. 1. May this not have arisen from the conviction that opposition would redound to the Saviour's glory? They knew that His cause would in the end prevail, however it might for a season be hindered. 2. Moreover, they might have formed their judgment on a principle that regarded themselves. They knew that their ascended Lord had foretold the certainty of persecution, and now in the fulfilment of the prediction, they saw an evidence of the truthfulness of their Great Master, and of their relation to Him. They therefore rejoiced in the grace of God. III. ON WHAT GROUNDS AND BY WHAT MEANS MAY WE REJOICE IF WE SHOULD BE CALLED TO SUFFER FOR THE NAME OF CHRIST? It is still true, that through much tribulation we are to enter the kingdom of God. Children have been persecuted by their parents for the sake of their piety and religious zeal. Servants have been mocked and dismissed from their situations on account of their faith. Tenants have been turned out of their houses and farms because they have obeyed the voice of conscience. And not a few have suffered in their trade, because they have followed their convictions in the worshipping of God. 1. If we would be associated with the apostles in this case, we must reckon by faith — not by sight. A man may resign himself to the observance of the established usages of society, he may conform to the standard of the world's morality; but he will never submit to reproach for the name of Christ, unless he sees His Divine excellency, and loves Him in sincerity. 2. Again, if we would account it joy to be persecuted for the sake of Christ, our eye must be single in His cause. 3. In a word, finally, you must seek for a constant supply of the spirit of grace. These men of God were filled with joy in the Holy Ghost. (American National Preacher.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. |
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