TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Please read Acts 5:12–42
12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
Acts 5:12–16
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
The previous chapter shows that the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to do healing miracles and cast out evil spirits. More people were added to the Church daily. But these actions led them to be imprisoned because the Jewish leaders were jealous of them.
However, one night, the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and told them to continue telling the good news at the temple courts.
The apostles boldly replied, “The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross…” (read Acts 5:30–32). When they heard this, they were filled with rage and wanted to kill them. But one of their oldest and wisest, well-respected leader, Gamaliel, said to them, “Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (vv. 38b–39). The council heeded Gamaliel’s suggestion, but the apostles were beaten up and whipped before being freed.
What amazes me the most is found in verses 41–42. The apostles left their presence, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Lord. And every day, they did not cease teaching and preaching that Jesus is the Messiah.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we pray for the boldness and courage of the early apostles to be upon us as we proclaim Your truth. May we not be discouraged by opposition or persecution but rather rejoice in being counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of Christ. Empower us to continue teaching and preaching that Jesus is the Messiah, knowing that nothing can stop us if our purpose and activity are from You, in Jesus’ name, amen.
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