Rejoicing When Suffering for Christ
The Disciples Found in the Book of Acts are the Same People but Entirely Different in Manner than the Disciples Found in the Book of Luke
Welcome to my blog. It's my prayer that you will be encouraged today.
I recently started graduate school and am currently in the middle of "Acts as History & Theology". The Book of Acts is one of my favorite books of the Bible to read and to teach. It's the only New Testament book providing the early history of the church. Grab a cup of coffee (for me it's hot chocolate) and a croissant and let me share with you some things that are standing out.
I have found myself completely undone by one verse in particular recently. In Acts chapter 5, Peter and the apostles have just received their first flogging and ordered "not to speak in the name of Jesus" (Acts 5:40). They left and were found "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" (Acts 5:41 ESV - emphasis mine).
Let that sink in for a minute.
These are the same disciples we find a few weeks earlier leaving Jesus alone to face this very same council who contrived to have Jesus crucified and who just now had them punished for preaching in His Name.
And they rejoiced.
So what happened between Luke 22-23 and Acts chapter 5?
And how do I get whatever it is they have?
Quite simply what changed everything for them is found in Acts 2:1-4 and beyond.
They received the promised Holy Spirit - a baptism of fire.
And it changed them.
Once baptized, Peter immediately stood up and boldly started preaching and 3,000 people decided to follow Jesus that day!
Jesus Promised the Holy Spirit Would Come And They Would Become Witnesses
The Book of Acts is typically referred to as the "Acts of the Apostles". And we definitely get a close-up view of the apostles and their activities following Jesus' resurrection and ascension.
But, honestly, I prefer Dr. Henrietta Mear's view. She believe Acts "records the acts of the Holy Spirit through the apostles" (Mears, 440).
Yes.
I like that.
Mears has some other notable things to say.
She believes the "heart of the book of Acts" is found in Acts 1:8: "You will be my witnesses...". She notes the word 'witness' is used over thirty times in the Book of Acts. (Mears, 440).
Connecting Luke and Acts
Acts chapter one opens with a quick review of the close of Luke chapter 24. (Luke authors both books).
Luke does a quick review of Jesus time following His resurrection through His ascension.
Jesus tells them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit and makes it clear when the Holy Spirit baptizes them they will be filled with power to become witnesses, not only in Jerusalem but to the far corners of the earth.
Acts chapter two is definitely the impetus, but not the end.
In Acts 4:29-31, they prayed asking for boldness to continue to speak in the Name of Jesus and it says, "when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness" (4:31). They were initially filled in chapter two and now we find them filled again. They were continually filled with the Holy Spirit, and continually able to preach boldly.
I want to be like them.
Where Am I In the Process?
I've been completely undone by this verse about rejoicing at being flogged.
If it just said the apostles came home, licked their wounds and committed to keep preaching, it would be a bit more fathomable for me. But that's not what it says.
It says they rejoiced because they were counted worthy - worthy - to suffer dishonor for the name (5:41).
Rejoiced.
Celebrated.
If that is being filled/baptized in the Holy Spirit, I'm sad to admit I need a fresh infilling.
We live in a crazy world where Christianity is becoming less and less popular.
So am I ready to rejoice if/when I suffer for the Name that suffered shame and dishonor for me?
Will I consider it God counting me "worthy"?
I need more.
I need to allow Holy Spirit to completely fill me, baptize me, and take over.
And I want that.
But it's scary.
Who knows what He may do or require if I allow Him to fully take over.
But that's what I need.
Maybe you're feeling the same way.
There's a world out there that needs Jesus and I need the boldness Holy Spirit provides to do my part in leading people into relationship with Jesus.
Will you join me this week in praying and asking the Holy Spirit to take us over? To make us bold witnesses.
Here's the prayer the disciples prayed in chapter four along with some worship music to help lead us into the Presence of God where He can fill us once again. Join me, if you will.
"And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." (chapter 4, ESV)
Holy Spirit, please come and have Your way in me.
Please make me a bold witness for the Name of Jesus.
Blessings,
Kathy Ann
Bibliography
Mears, Henrietta. 1998. What the Bible Is All About: Bible Handbook (NIV Edition). Ventura, CA: Regal Books.
