Rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

Acts 5:27-33, 41-42, And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. ... Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Once again they are given severe punishment for telling others about Jesus and their ultimate response is that they are rejoicing, not in being punished, but in being worthy for suffering for His name. We have been blessed with a heritage of religious freedom in our country that is being seriously challenged. There are many other places in this world where this is not true and yet the gospel is spreading like wildfire. Is that is what it will take for the next great revival?

We pray for revival in our own time, that many may come to know You and be saved, Lord!

ESV Lectionary