41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
41 The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name.
41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name."
16 And now I'm about to show him what he's in for - the hard suffering that goes with this job."
16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake."
(Read Acts 9:10-22)
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all who understand the nature and power of prayer, of such prayer as the humbled sinner presents for the blessings of free salvation! Now he began to pray after another manner than he had done; before, he said his prayers, now, he prayed them. Regenerating grace sets people on praying; you may as well find a living man without breath, as a living Christian without prayer. Yet even eminent disciples, like Ananias, sometimes stagger at the commands of the Lord. But it is the Lord's glory to surpass our scanty expectations, and show that those are vessels of his mercy whom we are apt to consider as objects of his vengeance. The teaching of the Holy Spirit takes away the scales of ignorance and pride from the understanding; then the sinner becomes a new creature, and endeavours to recommend the anointed Saviour, the Son of God, to his former companions.
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
29 There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting.
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.
(Read Philippians 1:27-30)
Those who profess the gospel of Christ, should live as becomes those who believe gospel truths, submit to gospel laws, and depend upon gospel promises. The original word "conversation" denotes the conduct of citizens who seek the credit, safety, peace, and prosperity of their city. There is that in the faith of the gospel, which is worth striving for; there is much opposition, and there is need of striving. A man may sleep and go to hell; but he who would go to heaven, must look about him and be diligent. There may be oneness of heart and affection among Christians, where there is diversity of judgment about many things. Faith is God's gift on the behalf of Christ; the ability and disposition to believe are from God. And if we suffer reproach and loss for Christ, we are to reckon them a gift, and prize them accordingly. Yet salvation must not be ascribed to bodily afflictions, as though afflictions and worldly persecutions deserved it; but from God only is salvation: faith and patience are his gifts.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 5:41
Commentary on Acts 5:34-42
(Read Acts 5:34-42)
The Lord still has all hearts in his hands, and sometimes directs the prudence of the worldly wise, so as to restrain the persecutors. Common sense tells us to be cautious, while experience and observation show that the success of frauds in matters of religion has been very short. Reproach for Christ is true preferment, as it makes us conformable to his pattern, and serviceable to his interest. They rejoiced in it. If we suffer ill for doing well, provided we suffer it well, and as we should, we ought to rejoice in that grace which enabled us so to do. The apostles did not preach themselves, but Christ. This was the preaching that most offended the priests. But it ought to be the constant business of gospel ministers to preach Christ: Christ, and him crucified; Christ, and him glorified; nothing beside this, but what has reference to it. And whatever is our station or rank in life, we should seek to make Him known, and to glorify his name.