August 10th

Scripture - Acts 5

Observation - A lot takes place in this chapter, from a startling story of a couple that made false claims about their giving, to the apostles continuing to teach the gospel despite opposition.

Near the end of the chapter, a man named Gamaliel suggested to the religious leaders that if these men were simply false teachers, their sect would eventually dwindle. If they were truly from God, it would continue. Because of this the religious leaders didn’t send them back to jail, but instead had the apostles flogged and set them free, telling them not to teach again. Yet the apostles did!

They didn’t give up at the sign of persecution either. “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.”

Application - It is so easy to give up at any sign of persecution or opposition, what opposition to the gospel are you experiencing? What could it look like for you to rejoice because you are worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus?

Prayer - Thank you God that you give me the strength I need to live for you. May I never back down in the face of opposition, but instead count it an honor to live and even suffer for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.